Most consumers find the concept of a variable-rate Deposit Return Scheme “easy to understand”, the Aluminum Packaging Recycling Organisation (Alupro) has said.
Alupro has previously warned that a flat-rate DRS would see UK supermarkets ‘awash with plastic’
This is despite the majority (57%) of respondents to Defra’s first consultation on a DRS in 2019 favouring a flat-rate fee over fears that a variable one would be “too complex”.
The association has long been lobbying for a variable deposit DRS system which would see the deposit amount set by size of container rather than a ‘flat-fee’ placed on all beverage packaging.
It has has previously described the flat rate approach as “unsophisticated” as it could see customers charged an additional £4.80 for a 24-can multipack, compared to 80p for a 2 litre plastic bottle.
Alupro has also previously said this would see UK supermarkets “awash” with plastic packaging.
Survey
To further back this claim Alupro today released the results of a YouGov survey it commissioned which quizzed 2,000 adults across Britain on best practice DRS design and whether a variable rate deposit fee would add “unnecessary confusion”.
Alupro said that the findings “disprove the claim” that a variable rate DRS would be too complex for householders, with more than four in five (84%) respondents suggesting that the concept of a DRS was “easy to grasp”, and 85% found the idea of varying the deposit value based on container size “equally simplistic” .
Just over half of adults (55%) agreed that the deposit fee should be lower for smaller items and higher for larger ones, while three in ten (30%) thought the deposit amount should be the same across all sizes of packaging.
A minority (15%) of respondents claimed that they were undecided .
Understanding
Alupro said this highlights that public understanding of DRS has “changed significantly” since the 2019 consultations and appreciation of best practice design has fast become a discussion point.
This comes as a second round of consultation is due to be published imminently.
‘Real world views’
Rick Hindley, executive director at Alupro, commented: “Adopting best practice design from the outset will prove pivotal to the long-term success of England, Wales and Northern Ireland’s DRS.
“Our independent research aimed to analyse real-world views regarding awareness of DRS design and understanding of deposit fees. According to the results, it’s safe to say that now, more than ever, householders want the best solution for the future – not the cheapest or the fastest.
“As the government discusses the design of our national scheme, we implore senior decision makers to take these findings into close consideration and not to choose simplicity over sustainability. The success of the scheme is important for every household, so we’re calling for their views to be recognised.”
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Source: letsrecycle.com Plastic
