A coalition of 60 businesses, including major retailers, is urging the UK government to embrace a digital solution for the forthcoming Deposit Return Scheme (DRS).
The call for a digital adaptation of the Deposit Return Scheme comes as prominent names in the business world, such as Ocado and Co-op, have united to propose a modern approach to recycling drinks containers. This digital alternative would allow consumers to recycle from home, using digital scanning technology, while still receiving their deposits back. This system would operate alongside traditional in-store recycling schemes.
The proposal has garnered attention following the successful trial conducted by Ocado in collaboration with the technology firm Polytag last year. During this trial, consumers were able to scan milk bottle codes using their smartphones, effectively integrating recycling into their daily routines. This experiment demonstrated strong consumer engagement, with over 20,000 bottles processed and resulting in substantial rewards for participants.
Laura Fernandez, Ocado Retail’s senior manager for packaging and sustainability, emphasised the benefits of such a system, stating that a digital option represents a necessary leap forward. “Ocado Retail and Polytag have already clearly demonstrated that shoppers have an appetite for a digital deposit return scheme,” she said. According to Fernandez, such innovation could empower consumers and alleviate the logistical pressures on retailers, thereby contributing to the broader UK goal of a circular economy.
This advocacy for digital transformation in recycling coincides with Wales’ recent commitment to advancing its own deposit return scheme, including glass bottles, despite a unified policy initially agreed upon by the UK’s four nations. The independent stance of Wales has sparked criticism from industry bodies, which have voiced concerns over the lack of alignment.
Representatives from The British Retail Consortium and other industry groups have expressed disappointment, highlighting the potential financial and operational implications of uncoordinated recycling policies. They stress the importance of a harmonised approach across the UK to ensure efficient resource management and to curb littering effectively.
The push for a digital Deposit Return Scheme reflects a broader initiative to modernise recycling practices in the UK. By embracing technological innovation, the proposed scheme promises greater consumer convenience and industry efficiency, supporting environmental sustainability. The outcomes of ongoing trials and governmental responses will ultimately shape the future of recycling policy across the nation.
