How to Respond to the Welsh Government’s DRS Consultation

Have a look at the official documents and questions.

You can find easy-read and youth-friendly versions on the Welsh Government website.

Ask yourself:

• Will a Deposit Return Scheme help reduce litter in your area?
• How can it work for small shops or rural communities?
• Will it be easy for young people to use?
• How can the DRS help charities and clean-up groups?

Use examples like:

• A beach clean where you found lots of bottles. You can also use our Beachwatch data for Wales to help you
• A school recycling project.
• How your group encourages reuse.
• Any DRS you have seen in other countries around the world.

You can use this format:

• Who you are and why you care.
• Your thoughts on the scheme.
• Any ideas to make it better.
• Real-life examples to support your views.

You can respond online, by email, or by post:

Email: wg.drsprogramme@gov.wales

Post: Deposit Return Scheme Policy Team, Welsh Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NQ

Online: Visit the consultation page on gov.wales

Our 2024 State of our Beaches Report highlights the need for a successful deposit return scheme to reduce beach litter.

We therefore support the inclusion of glass as part of a refillable addition to the Deposit Return Scheme.

The first litter survey on Irish beaches since the Ireland Deposit Return Scheme started has also shown a 30% drop in drinks related litter.

Consumers have the option at reverse vending machines to either claim their deposit or donate it to one of four different charities. This is something we would like to see implemented as part of the Welsh DRS.