Why a Digital DRS Is the Smart Move For Your Venue

Most reusables aren’t returned due to unclear return points or low motivation.

Most people assume that returning a cup is the end of the story. It isn't. With a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), venues can increase their impact and return rates by adding a refundable deposit onto each purchase, which customers can redeem upon returning their cup. But how does a digital DRS actually work?

Key Takeaways:

• A digital DRS keeps reusable cups in circulation through a seamless cycle of deposit, return, and reissue.

• Technology transforms a manual deposit return scheme into a trackable, efficient operation, increasing return rates and supporting a genuine circular economy.

• A digital DRS gives operators real-time visibility over cup lifecycle, return rates by location, and time-based trends, turning sustainability into a measurable business outcome.

Why Are Venues Implementing Deposit Return Schemes?

Single-use waste is increasingly difficult to ignore. It’s everywhere you look, from the streets, parks, and even inside venues themselves. And with that, it costs more in the long run, both financially and environmentally.

Around the world, countries are implementing Deposit Return Schemes to reduce single-use waste and enable a more circular economy. In 2027, the UK are implementing a Deposit Return Scheme where a refundable deposit will be added to drinks containers to increase recycling rates and re-imagine how drinks containers move through the economy.

The deadline is closer than it looks. A well-run DRS reduces waste disposal costs, supports sustainability reporting, and signals clearly that your venue takes its environmental responsibilities seriously. DRS isn’t about remaining compliant and being ready for 2027; it’s an opportunity to lead in sustainability before the legislation takes effect. Understanding how a DRS will work is the first step in getting it right.

What Does a Digital Deposit Return Scheme Look Like?

Every reusable cup gets its own unique digital identity so operators can see the data on their scheme. This enables real-time tracking, which distinguishes a modern, reusable-cup deposit scheme from a manual one.

Tap & Return gives customers a clear point of return for reusable items with smart bins.

Step 1 – The Deposit & Consumption

When a customer orders a drink, a small deposit (typically £1-£2) is added to their transaction at the point of sale. The deposit is tied to the reusable cup they are given. The customer is then able to enjoy their drink as normal.

Step 2 – Return

When the customer is finished with their drink, they bring the cup to a return point. Using Tap & Return technology, they will scan the cup, drop it in the bin, and then tap their card to receive the deposit back. That’s all they have to do. Depending on how your scheme is configured, the deposit can be returned as a voucher, credit, or charity donation.

Step 3 – Wash & Repeat

Returned cups are collected from the return point and sent to be cleaned to food-safe standards before they re-enter circulation. Before returning to the venue, the deposit is reactivated, ready to be sold.

This is what a real “closed loop” actually looks like. The same cup goes out, is returned, is washed, and then goes back out to be reused again. Simple for consumers and doesn’t change the consumer journey. Each time the cup is reused, it directly offsets the environmental cost of a single-use alternative.

What Operators Can Actually See

An important attribute of using technology to enhance a DRS is that operators gain full visibility of their system. Using real-time data, operators can see exactly how their scheme is performing through return rates, stock levels, environmental impact and more, all through a single platform. This allows operators to make data-informed decisions quickly, rather than relying on manual counts or end-of-day reports.

The Flow Platform provides one platform to view impact, product lifecycle, and DRS data.

With real-time data, operators can track each cup's lifecycle, view location-based reporting, understand peak periods, and plan stock accordingly. For operators running multiple sites or large-scale events, visibility isn’t just useful but is essential for demonstrating ROI and meeting corporate sustainability KPIs. Data and technology are what transform a reusable cup scheme from a sustainability requirement into a measurable operation.

A reusable cup scheme only works if the return journey is seamless, trackable, and trustworthy. Technology makes a DRS easy for customers to use and straightforward to operate, giving you the data to prove it’s working.

If you’re looking to introduce a digital DRS for your venue or event, talk to our team today. Book a demo today!