Conwy Council Digital Deposit Return Trial

Conwy County Borough to encourage people to recycle bottles using available technology.

10:59 06 January 2021

Conwy County Borough Council is launching a scheme that aims to encourage people to recycle bottles using digital tags and a mobile app. 

 

The council has partnered with technology supplier Polytag, the Welsh government and resource efficiency experts WRAP for its deposit return scheme, which will be trialled in the town of Colwyn Heights over the four weeks during the spring. 

 

Residents will be provided with a set of bottles tagged by Polytag, which they will scan using the app when placing them in their recycling containers. The bottles will also be scanned when collected by Conwyn's household waste recycling team. 

 

Lesley Griffiths, Wales’ minister for environment, energy and rural affairs, said: “Measures such as these will allow a more flexible system for consumers than having to return items such as bottles or containers themselves, and will link in well with existing infrastructure already in place at the household recycling collection systems run by local authorities.

 

“By taking advantage of new technologies, we can move closer on our route to a circular economy – and I look forward to seeing the results of the trial once it has taken place.”

 

Councillor Greg Robbins, Conwys’ cabinet member for environment and transportation, said: “We’re delighted to be taking part in this pilot recycling scheme. It’s an exciting opportunity to use technology to track and make the most of recyclable materials while raising money for the local school.”