Exchange for Change appointed in Wales giving UK DRS administrator consistency

The not-for-profit body has now been appointed scheme administrator for all four UK nations, providing a consistent administrator for the UK-wide scheme.

The Welsh government initially rejected Exchange for Change’s application to run its DRS earlier this year

With little more than a year until it goes live, significant work remains to finalise the implementation details and ensure the scheme can be delivered effectively in Wales. The country’s decision to include glass from day one creates additional complexity for businesses preparing for the scheme, including around labelling and the application of a deposit.

The British Soft Drinks Association (BSDA) has consistently called for a single scheme administrator across all four UK nations to provide a consistent, efficient and cost-effective approach to delivering the Deposit Return Scheme.

BSDA director general, Andy Bagnall, said: “The appointment of Exchange for Change in Wales means a single Scheme Administrator across the United Kingdom – a crucial milestone in delivering a successful Deposit Return Scheme by October 2027 – but there is now no time to lose on implementation.

“With little more than a year until go-live, it is welcome that Exchange for Change can work with the Welsh Government and stakeholders across the supply chain to establish the conditions for delivering the scheme in Wales in a way that avoids unnecessary cross-border complexity.

“However, while preparations are already well advanced for launching the Deposit Return Scheme in October 2027 for England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, delivering the scheme in Wales within such a short timeframe means there can be no further delays.

“Wales’ decision to include glass from day one also creates significant additional operational complexity, and the Welsh Government must continue to be realistic about what’s possible in the time.

“We look forward to working constructively with Exchange for Change, the Welsh Government and partners across the supply chain to address these challenges and deliver a Deposit Return Scheme in Wales that increases recycling, reduces litter, and works for consumers, businesses and the environment.”