WCVA and Keep Wales Tidy welcome the Welsh Government’s bottle deposit return scheme and its inclusion of a convenient option to donate the deposit to charity.
We’ve issued a joint statement with Keep Wales Tidy welcoming the inclusion of a ‘quick and convenient option for deposit donation to charities’ in the Welsh Government’s bottle deposit return scheme for Wales.
The deposit return scheme, set to launch in October 2027, will include a small rise in the price for consumers of single-use plastic and metal drinks containers (a deposit). When the container is returned to a designated return point, this deposit will be refunded. It has now been confirmed that an option to donate the returned deposit will be included from the outset of the scheme.
It is hoped the scheme will improve sustainability and recycling in Wales while strengthening the circular economy. The donation option will also provide a much-needed new source of funding for the voluntary sector in Wales.
Joint Statement on the Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers in Wales: WCVA and Keep Wales Tidy
Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) and Keep Wales Tidy welcome the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for Drinks Containers (Wales) Regulations 2026. This marks a significant step towards reducing litter, strengthening Wales’ circular economy, and linking environmental action with community benefit.
We are pleased that the proposals align with our recommendation to include a quick and convenient option for donating deposits to charity. Beyond providing a much-needed new source of funding for voluntary organisations in Wales, this amplifies the positive impacts of the scheme, and embeds giving in people’s daily lives. Including this option from the outset is key, as international examples show, adding it to the scheme later is considerably harder and yields mixed results.
While the scheme provides a solid foundation, we would like to see it strengthened by accelerating reuse and introducing a more ambitious timeline for glass containers in the future.
The focus must now be on ensuring the scheme is introduced in a timely and effective manner. Clear guidance, accessible donation routes and practical support will be essential to maximise both environmental and social benefit.
We look forward to working with partners across Wales to ensure the scheme delivers cleaner environments and stronger communities.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
We look forward to working with the voluntary sector and Welsh Government to ensure the scheme is fully implemented. We call on the Welsh Government to do all it can to ensure glass is fully included in the scheme at the earliest possible opportunity.
You can read the Welsh Government statement on the Deposit Return Scheme and the full draft regulation ahead of its Senedd scrutiny. You can also read WCVA’s response to the Welsh Government’s consultation on the scheme.