New research has revealed poor awareness amongst consumers surrounding deposit return schemes (DRS) that are due to be implemented throughout the UK.
The research, commissioned by GS1 UK to gauge consumer awareness and attitudes ahead of the upcoming implementation of deposit return schemes, found that less than half (42%) had heard of them and understood how they worked, whilst a quarter (26 per cent) had no idea what they were at all.
However, when how a potential scheme could work was explained, 60% of consumers surveyed said being able to reclaim a deposit would make them more likely to buy products included in the schemes, and 57% would do a lot more recycling if it meant they wouldn’t be left out of pocket.
Anne Godfrey, CEO of GS1 UK said: “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.”
GS1 UK’s research amongst business owners also revealed a lack of awareness with 38% not aware of the proposed scheme at all and despite the study showing that 69% 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.
Increased prices
The survey also found that consumers could be in for a double price hike on items included in the schemes. A third (33%) of businesses surveyed said they will raise the RRP of products to account for added operational costs and complexities.
Godfrey added: “There’s no doubt that the introduction of deposit return schemes can be a positive step forward, but the needs of consumers need to be carefully factored into their design if they are to have a meaningful impact.
Nadiya Catel-Arutyunova, policy advisor for the British Retail Consortium, said: “A successful scheme needs to be simple and straightforward for shoppers if we are to change recycling behaviours. It also needs informed consumers, which is why we back calls for greater awareness raising from UK governments and deposit management organisations, to ensure customers know exactly how to return their containers and redeem their deposits.”
Digital deposit return scheme
Meanwhile, separate research commissioned by Reward4Waste and conducted by research agency, OnePoll, amongst a representative sample of 2,000 adults, suggested that nearly two thirds, (63%), 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.
More than half (54%) wanted to see glass bottles included - currently glass is likely to be excluded in England and NI, but not in Scotland or Wales - and asked to select other items they would like to see included, 50% cited drinks cartons; 47% food containers; 41% newspapers; 36% scrap paper and 35% toilet roll tubes.
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