Consumer research to inform the design of an effective deposit return scheme

Main findings

Nearly three quarters of adult survey participants supported the idea of a DRS. Between 77% and 83% of survey participants reported they would use a DRS on all or most occasions. However, participants in the group discussions questioned the practicalities surrounding a DRS.

The findings suggested that older people, those in lower social grades and those without access to a household car may be less able to engage with a DRS for practical and financial reasons.

Just under half of 16 to 24 year old and 11 to 15 year old survey participants said a DRS may reduce the number of bottles or cans they buy by a lot or a little. Only 5% of adult and 3% of child survey participants said they would stop buying these types of containers altogether.

On deposit level, 10p was the most popular amount amongst survey participants (37%). More support for a 10p deposit was seen from older people and those in lower social grades.

An ‘all-in’ scheme, where all containers carried the same deposit cost, regardless of size, was considered by participants to be the most effective scheme.

The research included questions aimed at providing a better understanding of the most important factors in participant’s decisions to use a DRS. The location of return points was the greatest factor in terms of likelihood of use of a DRS. This was followed by the extra time it takes to return containers. The deposit amount was considered less important by respondents.