Digital Deposit Return Schemes White Paper

As discussions around Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) progress, digital solutions are emerging as an innovative alternative to traditional models.

While conventional DRS has proven effective in increasing recycling rates, digital systems offer new opportunities for efficiency and accessibility.

Our Digital Deposit Return Scheme (DDRS) White Paper provides a comprehensive, balanced analysis of both traditional and digital DRS models, examining their respective benefits and challenges.

What’s inside the report?

• Understanding Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) – A comparison of traditional and digital systems, highlighting their effectiveness and implementation models.
• The Digital DRS model – An exploration of serialisation, smartphone applications, and IT infrastructure that support digital returns.
• Types of Digital Return Schemes – Insights into ‘Smart’ DRS and Digital Incentive Return Schemes.
• The benefits & challenges – Examining the advantages of serialised packaging and integration with kerbside recycling, alongside potential barriers such as accessibility, infrastructure requirements, and consumer adoption.
• Real-world trials & insights – Learnings from DDRS trials conducted in Serbia, Wales, Northern Ireland, Ireland, and the UK.
• The UK context – Policy considerations, regulatory landscapes, and the potential future of DDRS within the broader recycling framework.

Complete the form below to access the full report and explore how digital solutions could transform the future of DRS and packaging sustainability.