Digital DRS: UK consumers call for mobile phone app recycling in Reward4Waste poll

16 Aug 2022 --- Consumers strongly prefer the idea of a digitalized deposit return scheme (DRS) as the UK’s four nations draw closer to implementing or updating their systems. This is the finding of a survey by Reward4Waste, a recycling technology company based in England. 

Digital DRS systems allow consumers to scan empty packaging products and the bins in which they deposit them through a mobile phone app, which then grants them a monetary reward for recycling. This could be extended to include products beyond drinks containers. 

The research, commissioned by Reward4Waste and conducted last month by research agency OnePoll, among a representative sample of 2000 adults, suggests 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. 

Only 25% would opt for a return-to-store system only, while 12% either did not know or were unsure what system they would prefer.

“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,” remarks Tony McGurk, chairman of Reward4Waste.

A majority of consumers in the UK would like to have a digital DRS system.DRS UK 
More than half (54%) of the respondents say they want to see glass bottles included in the DRS systems (currently, glass is likely to be excluded in England and Northern Ireland, but not in Scotland or Wales). 

When 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.

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

Well over a half, 57%, 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%, 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% thought bi-weekly and 15% monthly.

Improving DRS 
Gurk says the digitalized DRS also presents opportunities for industry players to profit from improved recycling infrastructure. 

“A Digital DRS will also provide opportunities for brand owners and retailers to recognize, encourage and reward good recycling behavior, 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 the least disruption to households and to local authority waste management systems.”

Technology in recycling
When asked about their wider use of technology, 56% agreed that technology could help with environmental issues such as recycling, and 37% believed that by 2050, apps to help with recycling would be mainstream. 

Thinking about technology that they could imagine being mainstream by 2050, an app to help with recycling came in third place after a smart fridge that manages shelf life and restocks itself and autonomous, self-driving cars, which topped the poll.

“This is all very encouraging news for us. In trials, the Reward4Waste Digital DRS app secured approval rates in the high nineties. This research confirms that there is an appetite to try a digital system even without trial and, once in place, we know that it’s a proven outright winner,” concludes McGurk.

By Louis Gore-Langton