The Welsh government has appointed Exchange for Change as the Deposit Management Organisation (DMO) for Wales’ Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), ahead of its planned launch in October 2027.

The scheme will cover plastic (PET), metal and glass drinks containers from its introduction. However, under the Deposit Scheme for Drinks Containers (Wales) Regulations 2026, glass containers will be subject to a four-year transition period during which they will be exempt from labelling requirements and carry a 0p deposit.

Exchange for Change was selected following a process to identify an organisation to support the establishment and implementation of the scheme, working alongside producers, retailers, local authorities and other partners.

The DRS will apply a refundable deposit to eligible drinks containers, which consumers can reclaim when the containers are returned. The Welsh government said the scheme is intended to reduce litter, improve the collection of high-quality recyclable materials and support a longer-term transition towards reusable drinks containers.

Work will now focus on developing the return network, collection and processing infrastructure, producer registration arrangements and other operational systems required ahead of the October 2027 launch.

The Welsh government said it will work with Exchange for Change and other delivery partners to establish the scheme in Wales, while coordinating with DRS programmes being introduced elsewhere in the UK.

An oral statement on the appointment is expected to be made during a Senedd Plenary session in the autumn term.