Exchange for Change (EFC) has been appointed as the Deposit Management Organisation (DMO) for Wales’ Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), taking responsibility for the operational design and delivery of the scheme ahead of its planned October 2027 launch.
The appointment means Exchange for Change will oversee DRS operations across all four UK nations, creating a single management structure intended to improve consistency and interoperability between schemes.
In a written ministerial statement published on 20 August, the Welsh Government confirmed that PET plastic, metal and glass drinks containers will be included in the scheme from launch. However, glass containers will not carry a deposit during an initial four-year transitional period.
The move marks a significant milestone in preparations for the Welsh scheme, although questions remain over how it will operate in practice and the role retailers will play as return point operators.
SGF boss Pete Cheema said the Welsh government had made the right decision. “An aligned four nations approach is vital for businesses that work on both sides of the border, for producers, suppliers and retailers alike, and essential to the success of the scheme. With just over a year to go, the pressure is on EFC to ensure Welsh operators are up to speed so that there are no more delays.”
The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) welcomed the appointment, highlighting the benefits of a more consistent approach across the UK while warning that the implementation timetable remains challenging.
ACS Chief Executive Ed Woodall said: “We welcome the appointment of Exchange for Change as the DMO for Wales and the progress that this represents towards delivering a deposit return scheme on time in October 2027. This decision provides an important foundation for the work that now needs to take place.
“With just over a year to go, it is vital that governments and the DMO move quickly to provide clarity on the operational requirements, particularly around glass, that retailers will face and how the scheme will work in practice.”
ACS said convenience stores need further detail on their responsibilities under the scheme to allow time to invest in infrastructure, adapt operations and test systems before launch.
