Exchange for Change appointed to manage Wales' Deposit Return Scheme

The Welsh Government has appointed Exchange for Change as the Deposit Management Organisation (DMO) for its upcoming Deposit Return Scheme (DRS). This appointment aligns Wales with the DMO used in the rest of the UK. The scheme will initially include PET, metal, and glass drink containers, with a four-year transition period specifically for glass.

In preparation for the UK-wide launch in 2027, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Exchange for Change, and Special Olympics Great Britain are conducting an accessibility trial at the Special Olympics GB National Summer Games in Birmingham. The trial aims to test Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) and messaging to ensure the future scheme is inclusive for people of all abilities, including those with intellectual disabilities.

While the appointment was welcomed by industry leaders, some representatives from the drinks trade, such as the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, expressed concerns regarding the inclusion of glass. They noted that the short timeframe before the scheme begins could lead to increased costs and restricted consumer choice.