Wales Green-Lights Glass for DRS 2027
The Welsh Government secures a UK internal market exclusion to include glass bottles in its upcoming Deposit Return Scheme.

Will Glass Be Included in the Wales Deposit Return Scheme? Everything You Need to Know About the New Regulations

The Welsh Government confirms a breakthrough for the 2027 rollout, securing a UK Internal Market exclusion to include glass bottles in its circular economy plans.

As the UK moves toward a more sustainable future, many businesses and consumers have been asking: “How will the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) actually work in Wales, and will it be different from the rest of the UK?”

Following the official laying of the Deposit Return Scheme for Drinks Containers (Wales) Regulations 2026 on February 12th, we now have definitive answers. Here is a breakdown of the latest news and what it means for the industry and the public.

What is the big news regarding glass?

One of the biggest points of contention has been whether glass bottles would be included. While the previous UK Government chose to exclude glass from schemes in England and Northern Ireland, the Welsh Government remained firm on its inclusion to meet its high recycling and Net Zero targets.

The Answer: Yes, glass is officially in. The Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change, Huw Irranca-Davies, has confirmed that through partnership with other UK governments, Wales has secured an exclusion from the UK Internal Market Act. This means Wales has the legal "go-ahead" to include glass in its scheme from day one.

When will the scheme start and what containers are covered?

Industry leaders and the public have been looking for a clear timeline to prepare for the transition.

The Answer: The scheme is scheduled to go live on October 1, 2027. It will cover single-use containers ranging from 150ml to 3L made of:

  • PET plastic bottles

  • Aluminium and steel cans

  • Glass bottles

How will the "Glass Inclusion" work in practice for businesses?

There have been concerns about how industry will adapt to glass recycling, especially regarding labeling and costs. To address this, the Welsh Government has introduced a compromise to ensure a smooth transition.

The Answer: While glass is part of the scheme from October 2027, there will be a four-year transition period. During this time:

  • Glass containers will be exempt from specific DRS labeling.

  • Glass will carry a zero-pence deposit initially.

  • This window allows industry to adapt before full deposit requirements and reuse targets phase in.

Why is Wales taking a different path than England?

Many wonder why Wales is pushing for a more comprehensive scope.

The Answer: It is about maintaining Wales' status as a global leader in recycling. The government views the DRS as a "major milestone" in ending throwaway culture. By including glass and setting a pathway for refillable/reuse options, Wales is aligning its scheme with international best practice to ensure the greatest environmental impact.

How will interoperability across the UK be managed?

A common fear is that having different rules in Wales compared to England or Scotland will create chaos for retailers.

The Answer: To prevent this, the Welsh Government has proposed a UK-wide implementation taskforce. This group will oversee "interoperability," working closely with industry-led Deposit Management Organisations (DMOs) to ensure that despite the difference in scope (glass vs. no glass), the systems can function together efficiently.

What happens to the money from the deposits?

For those worried about where the "extra" money goes, the regulations include a community-focused feature.

The Answer: The scheme will allow participants to donate their deposit refunds to charity. This ensures that the DRS doesn't just benefit the environment, but also provides social and community support across Wales.

What are the next steps?

The regulations have been laid and now move to the Senedd for final approval. This framework enables the appointment of the Deposit Management Organisation and defines the legal scope of the scheme.

At Recyclever, we are closely monitoring these developments to provide the technology and infrastructure needed to support Wales in this world-leading transition. By including glass and planning for a reuse-based economy, Wales is proving that a circular future is not just a goal, but a looming reality.


Curious about how these regulations will impact your business or want to dive deeper into the technology behind successful recycling schemes? Explore our latest insights and resources:


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The logo that tells shoppers “this bottle or can is worth money back” in the UK Deposit Return Scheme