A new poll of 2,000 adults found that, despite the deposit return schemes’ (DRS) impact on consumers’ wallets, only 42% had heard of DRSs and understood how they worked, whilst 26% didn’t know what they were.
The research, which was commissioned by GS1 UK, also revealed that 16% of Brits don’t recycle and have a lack of knowledge about what can and can’t be recycled, which was cited as the most common reason for this.
GS1 UK says the purpose of the research was to gauge consumer awareness and attitudes ahead of the upcoming implementation of deposit return schemes.
The survey commissioners found that 34% believe recycling is unnecessarily complicated, whilst 45% think that simplicity would be the most important aspect if the recycling system were to be redesigned.
Our data demonstrates that simplicity is key and therefore needs to be at the heart of any successful scheme.
When 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% said they would do a lot more recycling if it meant they wouldn’t be left out of pocket.
The final rules and regulations are still to be decided with the four UK nations planning on taking different approaches with different timelines. GS1 UK says that, as a result, it is calling for a future-proofed approach that delivers simplicity, convenience, and ease of use for both consumers and industry.
GS1 UK’s research amongst business owners also revealed a lack of awareness with 38% saying they were not aware of the proposed scheme at all.
The introduction of deposit return schemes will fundamentally change the way we recycle for the better.
Despite the research showing that 69% of businesses believe the introduction of a 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.
33% of businesses surveyed said they will raise the RRP of products to account for added operational costs and complexities.
CEO of GS1 UK, Anne Godfrey, 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.
“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.”
