Issue - meetings

RESOLVED:

That the Committee notes the contents of the report and the proposals to deliver

a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for Wales.                                                                                  

The Chief Officer (Streetscene and Transportation), presented the report to provide an update to members on the Welsh Government’s proposed Deposit Return Scheme (DRS).  She provided background information and reported that the proposed Deposit Return Scheme had received strong support as outlined in

the government response. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural

Affairs (DEFRA) had subsequently confirmed that it would work with industry, the Welsh Government, and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland, to set up the scheme. The expected start date was October 2025.  The report provided an overview of the proposals and an update on the next steps for delivery of the scheme in Wales.

Councillor Vicky Perfect spoke in support of the scheme.

The Chief Officer (Streetscene and Transportation) responded to the questions and concerns raised by Councillor Dan Rose regarding recycling rates and explained that the intention was that the scheme would increase recycling in the future.  She also referred to the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Packaging reforms which was being consulted on alongside the DRS and said feedback would be provided to the Committee in the future when more information was made available.  

Councillor Hilary McGuill queried whether the DRS was a ‘recycle’ or a ‘re-use’ scheme and raised questions on how it would be operated and if payment would be credited direct to the consumer when the item was returned.  The Chief Officer commented that it was unclear at the present time if the DRS was a ‘recycle’ or a ‘re-use’ scheme until more information was provided.

The Chair expressed concerns around the current ‘unknowns’ regarding operation of the scheme, resources required, and willingness of consumers to participate.  He suggested that the recommendation in the report be amended to read as follows:  that the Committee notes the contents of the report and the proposals to deliver a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for Wales.  The amendment was duly seconded and was agreed by the Committee.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee notes the contents of the report and the proposals to deliver

a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for Wales.