Will the Cabinet Secretary provide an update on the actions being taken to implement the deposit return scheme?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs | Answered on 03/03/2026
On 12 February 2026, the Deposit Return Scheme for Drinks Containers (Wales) Regulations 2026 were laid before the Senedd. The Regulations set the legal framework for a scheme that will support recycling, cut litter and phase in reuse in line with the commitments within our Beyond Recycling circular economy strategy.
This step represents substantial progress, and I look forward to consideration of the Regulations in Plenary.
Subject to their approval, as a Government we remain committed to launching the DRS for Wales on 1 October 2027, in line with schemes in the rest of the UK.