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.
See how the waste sector has reacted below. Read the full story here.
Exchange for Change
In a statement on LinkedIn, Exchange for Change said: “This important milestone means Exchange for Change has now been appointed as the DMO to manage delivery of the DRS across all four UK nations, helping to deliver an effective and efficient scheme throughout the UK and providing greater clarity for industry as preparations continue for launch in October 2027.
“The Deposit Return Scheme is a transformational opportunity to change how we manage waste in the UK, preventing billions of bottles and cans every year from littering our towns and countryside.
“We look forward to continuing to work closely with partners across the UK to deliver on this opportunity and ensure DRS is a success.”
Reconomy
Travis Way, Managing Director at RVM company EcoVend by Reconomy, said: “This is an important milestone for businesses preparing for the introduction of the Welsh Deposit Return Scheme, which has the potential to significantly increase recycling rates of single-use containers.
“The focus now needs to turn to implementation. Strong collaboration between the DMO, producers, retailers and infrastructure providers will be essential to ensure the necessary return network is in place and businesses have the certainty they need to prepare ahead of the October 2027 launch.
“Attention will also remain on how the Welsh scheme will align with the wider UK framework to make the transition as smooth as possible for businesses operating across the UK and for consumers.”
British Soft Drinks Association (BSDA)
British Soft Drinks Association 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.”
British Glass
A spokesperson for British Glass said: “British Glass welcomes the Welsh Government’s announcement today that Exchange for Change has been appointed as the Deposit Management Organisation (DMO) for the Welsh Deposit Return Scheme (DRS). The appointment is an important step forward in providing greater certainty for businesses preparing for the scheme’s introduction in October 2027.
“However, British Glass remains concerned that significant questions remain unanswered regarding the inclusion of glass beverage containers within the Welsh scheme and, together with other organisations, will be seeking urgent clarification from the Minister, Llyr Gruffydd.”
Association of Convenience Stores (ACS)
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.”
Welsh Government
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.”
This is a live reactions piece and will be continually updated. Want to see your reaction here? Email savannah.c@letsrecycle.com.
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