Are there any international examples of deposit-return schemes that have encountered challenges or inefficiencies related to the inclusion of glass and, if so, what lessons has the Welsh Government learned from these experiences?
Any complex project can face challenges or inefficiencies, however, over more than a century Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) including glass have operated in countries around the world, including the UK. There are many successful international examples, the vast majority of which include glass as standard. We have learned from international best practice such as schemes in Finland, Estonia, Denmark, Lithuania, the US, Canada and Australia. The greatest challenge and inefficiency faced is the wastage in energy and materials caused by unnecessary disposal, which a DRS will help to address.