A group of 60 businesses, including major retailers, urge the government to consider a digital recycling solution tied to the Deposit Return Scheme.
- The digital approach aims to provide convenience for consumers by allowing at-home recycling with financial returns, alongside traditional in-store systems.
- Ocado’s successful trial of digital recycling showcased consumer interest, with over 20,000 milk bottles scanned and rewarded.
- Retail and industry groups express disappointment in Wales’ separate approach, emphasizing the need for a unified UK-wide recycling scheme.
- The proposed digital solution seeks to boost recycling efficiency and contribute to the UK’s circular economy goals.
A collective of 60 businesses is advocating for a digital adaptation to the traditional Deposit Return Scheme (DRS). This initiative includes prominent retailers like Ocado and Co-op, who have actively sought governmental consideration for a home-based digital recycling option.
This digital method would empower consumers by allowing them to recycle from the comfort of their homes while still receiving deposit returns. This system would operate alongside existing physical return schemes located in stores.
Ocado recently conducted a successful trial with Polytag, demonstrating significant consumer engagement. Participants used smartphones to scan over 20,000 milk bottles before sending them to kerbside recycling, cumulatively claiming rewards worth up to £4,000.
Laura Fernandez from Ocado highlighted the demand for a digital option, stating that such an approach is not only convenient but essential for advancing the UK’s recycling framework. This sentiment is echoed by other industry leaders who view digital innovation as a pathway to reducing operational load on retailers and speeding up the transition to a circular economy.
However, not all members of industry align on this vision. Wales has opted to pursue its standalone deposit return strategy, focusing on including glass bottles, sparking disappointment among industry bodies like The British Retail Consortium and The Food and Drink Federation. They argue that a non-uniform approach may disrupt planned investments and hinder recycling and litter reduction efforts across the UK.
The push for a digital deposit return scheme reflects a significant shift in efforts to enhance recycling and sustainability in the UK.
