DRS Update: Wales to accelerate rollout to match rest of UK
Member actions:
- DRS Update – No action needed
Key takeaways:
- Wales to align DRS rollout with the rest of the UK, October 2027
- Glass to be in scope in Wales, with a focus on reuse
On 10 July 2025, Wales announced its intention to join the rest of the UK in a nationwide DRS rollout by October 2027 albeit with glass still in scope.
As a world leader in recycling, the decision to align on DRS aims to build on Wales’ success and deliver real-world benefits for businesses and consumers, while removing the complexity and costs involved in Wales not being part of a nationwide scheme.
Especially pertinent with PackUK’s focus on reuse in the glass sector, glass will remain in scope of the Welsh scheme with the aim of incorporating reuse. We will have to wait and see what form that takes, while also tackling glass littering in parks, playgrounds, and along the coast, at the same time as increasing glass recycling rates.
With a potential £3.8 billion in savings on the line for the Welsh economy, along with associated green drivers including jobs, innovation and resilience, Wales aims to continue to play a role in shaping a “coherent and sustainable approach” for the whole of the UK.
See here for our previous story on the DRS regulations in England and NI, along with the update on the DRS management organisation and update on glass reuse.