Plans for an October 2027 rollout of the UK’s deposit return scheme lay in tatters this afternoon after the Welsh government dramatically pulled out of the launch.
Huw Irranca Davies, deputy first minister and climate change secretary for Wales, said it had been left with no option but to withdraw from the process because Westminster was not allowing its scheme to include glass under the rules for devolution.
In September, The Grocer revealed the Welsh government was prepared to drop glass from wine and spirits manufacturers from the scope of DRS, amid negotiation to try to secure an “interoperable” scheme to launch in unison in just under three years’ time.
It hoped the compromise would allow it to stick to the timeframe of the UK government but still tackle pollution from beer bottles discarded on the move, which is sees as a key priority to include in DRS.
It is understood it planned to incorporate glass from wine and spirits in the scheme at a later date.
However, sources warned at the time that the deal risked causing chaos and would still lead to a system across the UK that was adding huge extra complexity and costs for businesses.
Read more: DRS compromise as Wales drops plans to include glass from wines and spirits
Scotland’s DRS scheme also collapsed after the UK government rejected its plans to include glass in the scheme amid huge opposition from the drinks industry.
Today Irranca Davies said in a statement: “In the time available, it has not been possible to address the issues to the operation of devolution caused by the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020, inherited by the UK government from the previous administration.
“This unfortunately means that we are not able to proceed with the joint process or notify the WTO in relation to the scheme at this point.
“As a government, we remain committed to bringing forward a DRS which will deliver for Wales by supporting our ongoing transition to a circular economy. Our active engagement with industry has highlighted that there are currently a range of views on how best to achieve the transition to reuse.
“We will therefore continue our active engagement to develop a scheme that supports the transition to reuse for all drinks containers including those made from glass. In doing so, we will also continue to draw from international best practice.”
The latest blow for DRS comes despite assurances from environment minister Mary Creagh that the rollout would go ahead as previously earmarked by the last government.
One source accused the Welsh government of “effectively thrashing” the chances of a 2027 launch of the DRS going ahead.
BSDA director general Gavin Partington said: “We regret the Welsh government’s decision which undermines efforts to deliver an aligned deposit return scheme across the UK and help the move towards a circular economy.
“We remain committed to a DRS for cans and PET delivered by October 2027 and will continue to work with governments to achieve this.”
Jenni Hume, UK & Ireland director at Reloop, said: “Reloop has long supported the Welsh government’s ambition for a deposit return scheme that includes glass and reuse as that has the most environmental benefits. We understand the complexities facing the Welsh government and frustrations that the UK government would not work with the Welsh government to achieve this.
“It is now up to Defra, Daera, Scottish government and industry to ensure that the deposit return scheme moves along at pace for England, Northern Ireland and Scotland with no further delays.
“We also hope to see clarity and tight timelines from Welsh government imminently.”
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