The organisation, which will run the scheme for England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, had previously had its bid rejected. However it was confirmed in April that it planned to appeal the decision.
A second application window closed on 2 June 2026. The DRS is expected to launch across the UK in October 2027.
Llŷr Gruffydd MS, Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability for the Welsh Government, said: “This marks the next step towards delivering a DRS for Wales, which will collect empty drinks containers to tackle litter, keep communities cleaner, further improve Wales’ recycling and support the transition from recycling to reuse.
“The Welsh Government will work closely with Exchange for Change and delivery partners as they develop the return network, collection and processing infrastructure, producer registration arrangements, and operational systems in readiness for the scheme’s launch in October 2027.
“I look forward to working with Exchange for Change and our delivery partners as we work to establish a DRS that works for Wales, and with those schemes being implemented in the other nations of the UK.”
It is understood that, despite the rejected bid, Exchange for Change was the sole application for the DMO role in both rounds.
All schemes across the UK will include plastic bottles, steel cans and aluminium cans. Only the Welsh scheme will include glass bottles, which will be phased in.
Four-year transition period for glass
From launch, the Welsh DRS will cover single-use drinks containers made from:
- PET plastic
- Aluminium
- Steel
- Glass
Containers from 150ml to three litres will be included.
However, while glass will be in scope from day one, ministers have confirmed a four-year transition period.
During this time, glass containers will be exempt from labelling requirements and will carry a zero-pence deposit.
The Welsh Government said this is intended to give producers and retailers time to adapt and to align with the phased introduction of reuse targets.
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