New research reveals lack of awareness over deposit return schemes

There is still a lack of awareness about deposit return schemes among both consumers and business owners, states new research, highlighting that most consumers will gravitate towards products if they are able to reclaim a deposit. 

According to research by global standards organisation GS1 UK, only 42 per cent of consumers have heard of the deposit return scheme and understand how they worked. 

The research also reveals that 26 per cent of respondents had no idea what deposit return schemes are at all. 

When consumers were told how a potential scheme could work, 60 per cent of consumers surveyed said being able to reclaim a deposit would make them more likely to buy products included in the schemes, and 57 per cent would do a lot more recycling if it meant they wouldn’t be left out of pocket. 

GS1 UK’s research among business owners also revealed a lack of awareness, with 38 per cent not aware of the proposed scheme. 

Despite the research showing that 69 per cent of businesses believe the introduction of DRS will be a positive step for their industry, four in 10 think that a deposit return scheme will have a negative impact on their own businesses. 

In addition, 33 per cent of businesses surveyed said they will raise the RRP of products to account for added operational costs and complexities. 

Reacting to the research’s findings, Anne Godfrey, Chief Executive of GS1 UK, said that the introduction of deposit return schemes will fundamentally change the way we recycle for the better. 

“It will however add costs and complexity not just for consumers, but industry, waste collectors and local authorities. 

“A successful scheme relies on consumer participation. Our data demonstrates that simplicity is key and therefore needs to be at the heart of any successful scheme.” 

“Our research has shown a little incentive can go a long way to encourage people to do the right thing and recycle more. The operational impact for businesses, compounded by the lack of awareness, means there are significant challenges that will need to be addressed in the next two years. 

“We have a limited window of opportunity to help the industry solve this conundrum. In the meantime, much more needs to be done to inform consumers and change their behaviour. Only through this level of focus and collaboration will any scheme stand a chance of being successful.”