Exchange for Change has been appointed as the operator for the United Kingdom's new recycling programs, a move confirmed after several months of negotiations. The company will oversee the rollout of deposit return schemes (DRS) across the UK, including in Wales.
In Wales, the scheme will encompass plastic (PET), metal, and glass drinks containers from its launch. However, regulations stipulate a four-year transition period for glass containers, during which they will be exempt from labeling requirements and will not carry a deposit. This phased approach aligns with the Deposit Scheme for Drinks Containers (Wales) Regulations 2026.
According to Gruffydd, a representative quoted in the report, the DRS is designed to "tackle litter while supporting the collection of high-quality recycled materials." He added that the initiative "will help provide a pathway towards the roll-out of reuseable drinks containers" in Wales.
The drinks industry has welcomed the appointment of Exchange for Change, viewing it as a significant step towards establishing a successful DRS. Andy Bagnall, director general of the British Soft Drinks Association, described the appointment as a "crucial milestone in delivering a successful DRS by October 2027."
Bagnall also noted that preparations for launching the DRS in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland are already well underway for an October 2027 start. He cautioned that delivering the scheme in Wales within a compressed timeframe means "there can be no further delays." The decision to include glass containers from the outset in Wales was identified as creating "significant additional operational complexity," and industry representatives are urging ministers to adopt a realistic approach to the launch.
Exchange for Change has characterized the appointment as an "important milestone" that will contribute to an "effective and efficient scheme." The company stated that the DRS represents a "transformational opportunity to change how we manage waste in the UK" and expressed eagerness to collaborate with the Welsh government on the scheme's implementation.