Digital DRS is consumers’ first choice

New research exploring the nation’s views of use of technology for recycling purposes, has highlighted a consumer preference for a digital system of deposit return scheme which can be extended to include products beyond drinks containers, and “rewards” people for good recycling behaviour.

The research, commissioned by Reward4Waste and conducted in July 2022 by OnePoll, amongst a representative sample of 2000 adults, suggests that nearly two thirds, 63 per cent, of people would prefer a digital deposit return scheme using an app at home or on-the-go – either as a stand-alone facility or as part of a hybrid system.

Just 25 per cent would opt for a return-to-store system only (12 per cent had no preference).

Exploring the full scope of a DRS, 54 per cent wanted to see glass bottles included (currently glass is likely to be excluded in England and NI, but not in Scotland or Wales).

Asked to select other items they would like to see included, 50 per cent cited drinks cartons; 47 per cent food containers; 41 per cent newspapers; 36 per scrap paper and 35 per cent toilet roll tubes.

Considering rewards for good recycling behaviour, 52 per cent of respondents claimed they would be more inclined to recycle if there was a reward for doing so.

Well over a half, 57 per cent, strongly or somewhat strongly agreed with the statement, “I would like to be rewarded for good recycling with treats and offers from brands and retailers”, while around a quarter, 26 per cent, neither agreed nor disagreed. Just one in ten disagreed with the statement outright.

Asked to consider how frequently they might use in-store reverse vending machines if such a system was introduced, a third of respondents believed they would make weekly deposits, while 16 per cent thought bi-weekly, and 15 per cent monthly.

“I hope Government ministers currently considering the different DRS options will note that a digital DRS, where people use a smartphone app to scan a unique code on their drinks containers and recycling bin to capture that return and redeem the deposit, is the clear first choice for consumers,” said Tony McGurk, chairman, Reward4Waste.

“A Digital DRS will also provide opportunities for brand owners and retailers to recognise, encourage and reward good recycling behaviour, and in doing so help meet the challenging recycling targets currently being set.

“Notwithstanding the obvious call for glass drinks bottles to be included in the initial scheme, it’s also interesting to see how consumers are keen to see a deposit return scheme extended beyond drinks containers to include other product packaging and recyclable waste.

“A digital DRS can be easily extended and makes use of existing collection systems, such as home kerbside collections, so would actually cause least disruption to households and to local authority waste management systems,” added McGurk.

Asked about their wider use of technology, 56 per cent agreed that technology could help with environmental issues such as recycling and 37 per cent believed that by 2050, apps to help with recycling would be mainstream.