Scan | Recycle | Reward - Frequently asked questions

What's happening and when?

We will be launching the Scan|Recycle|Reward trial in Brecon from 13 July 2023 which will run for 12 weeks until 4 October 2023. The trial will encourage all Brecon householders to sign up and claim a 10p cash reward by scanning uniquely coded stickers on drink containers at home by using their normal kerbside recycling collection or 'on the go', at return points located around the town. An information pack will be sent to all Brecon households in July explaining how to get involved and sign up for the trial.

Who can participate in the trial?

The trial will be run in Brecon and will be accessible to all Brecon householders and visitors. An information pack will be sent to approximately 4,300 Brecon households. This pack will invite residents to sign up and get involved in the trial. Visitors to Brecon will also be able to participate using Scan|Recycle|Reward return points located around the town.

How do I sign up?

You can sign up for a Scan|Recycle|Reward account using your smartphone by scanning the uniquely coded 10p sticker on any relevant drink container, any QR coded sticker in your information pack, the QR code on a Community Bin or through this link: https://recyclereward.powys.gov.uk/login

We want to make it as convenient as possible for you to claim rewards. So, once you've signed up you can start recycling either:

'At home' using your smartphone and normal kerbside recycling collection.

'On the go' at return points. These include:

Community bins (smartphone required) located at: ALDI car park and Bethel Square (outside Greggs)

Automated machines (no smartphone required) located at: Brecon Leisure Centre and Morrisons.

Over the counter returns (no smartphone required) at:

Holland & Barrett, Premier (Brecon Convenience) or SPAR.

Can I share my log in with other members of my family?

Yes, but you can only use one email account. Once you request to login, we will send you an email with a login link. You can forward this link to those that you would like to share your account with. This link is only valid for 30 minutes.

Do I need an email account on my phone to be able to sign up?

How does it work?

Unique QR codes (10p stickers) are generated and placed on each valid drink container. Participants use a web app https://recyclereward.powys.gov.uk/login to sign up and start logging their recycling activity and claim rewards, either recycling at home or 'on the go' at return points located in Brecon town.

Transactions are recorded and rewards processed, the unique QR code ensures each container can only be scanned once to claim a reward.

How can I participate in the trial?

There are four ways that you can participate in the trial:

At home - apply the recycling labels included in the information pack to the outside of your recycling boxes. Then use your smartphone to scan any one of the recycling labels to sign up for a Scan|Recycle|Reward account. Scan the QR code (10p sticker) on the drink container(s) and then recycle as normal. We will credit your account with a 10p reward for every item correctly recycled.
'On the go' - using community bins (you'll need a smartphone to use these) located at: ALDI car park, The Whatton, Rich Way and Bethel Square (outside Greggs). To use, scan the QR code on the bin to open the app on your phone, then press the bin icon on the screen, follow the instructions on your phone to deposit your drink container(s) and claim rewards.
'On the go' - using automated machines - located at Brecon Leisure Centre and Morrisons. Scan the QR code on your container(s) using the machine and follow the on-screen instructions. You will have the option to credit your account (you will need a smartphone for this), take a cash voucher which, if you choose, can be donated to charity (no smartphone required for these options).
Over the counter - you can return drink container(s) to Holland & Barrett, Premier (Brecon Convenience) and SPAR, by handing over the item(s) to the store staff. A cash reward will be issued once the container has been checked. If you prefer you can donate this to Brecon Food Bank and Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, our nominated local charities using the in-store charity pot.

Glass containers can ONLY be returned through your home recycling service.

How many rewards can I claim?

You will be able to claim 10p for every valid drink container you recycle for the duration of the trial, which runs from 13 July to 4 October 2023. You can either take the cash or donate it to Brecon Food Bank and Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, our nominated local charities.

What is the purpose of the trial?

Governments in the UK and across the world are looking at ways to recycle more, reduce waste and eliminate littering. Drinks containers are one of the most littered forms of packaging and there is a particular focus in collecting more of these used containers to increase recycling. One way to do this is via a Deposit Return Scheme, or DRS.

An innovative DRS technology, called Digital DRS (DDRS), has been developed to help increase the number of drinks containers collected, while costing less and making the process more convenient to the public. The DDRS Alliance is working in partnership with Welsh Government, WRAP Cymru, Powys County Council and local retailers, to trial this technology. It will help us understand how householders engage with this new technology and their preferred choices for returning drinks containers. This will be the first time anywhere in the world that a whole town will use this new technology and the results will be analysed to help decide how this could be used to help increase the amount we recycle.

What is a conventional deposit return scheme?

Deposit Return Schemes (or DRS) currently operate in around 25 countries around the world, including Germany, Norway and Sweden. The UK nations are currently evaluating options for deposit return schemes. DRS works by shops adding a deposit onto the price of all drinks sold. Once consumed, the deposit can be redeemed by returning the empty container to a shop - either automatically through a large machine or, in some shops, by returning it over the counter. DRS results in many countries collecting over 90% of all relevant containers (compared to around 60-70% without a DRS being in place).

How is a Digital DRS different?

Digital DRS (or DDRS) is a new, innovative technology that relies on each valid drink container having a unique QR code. This code can then be scanned to claim a 10p cash reward. By doing this, the recycling return points can be located wherever most drinks are consumed or where most littering takes place.

This technology also enables householders to return their drinks containers at home, through their normal kerbside recycling collections as well as using 'on the go' return points located around Brecon town. It therefore promises to be more effective in collecting containers and more convenient to the public at a much lower cost - not only in terms of money but also carbon emissions.

Why is Welsh Government supporting the trial?

The Welsh Government wants to find out if the trial will encourage people to recycle more. Wales' overall recycling rate is currently around 65%, making Wales the nation with the third highest recycling rate in the world. Welsh Government has set the ambition for Wales to be a zero-waste nation by 2050 (where effectively, there is 100% recycling of all materials), introducing a home-based digital deposit return scheme could be an important tool in helping achieve this ambition.

The trial will help the Welsh Government understand how householders engage with this new technology and their preferred choices for returning drinks containers. This will be the first time anywhere in the world that a whole town will use this new technology and the results will be analysed to help decide how this could be used to help increase the amount we recycle.

How long will the trial last?

The trial will run for 12 weeks from 13 July to 4 October 2023.

What are the benefits of the trial to the public?

Everyone who signs up for the Scan|Recycle|Reward trial will be able to claim a 10p cash reward for every valid drink container they return correctly or can choose to donate their reward to Brecon Food Bank and Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, our nominated local charities.

The trial aims to make it as easy and convenient as possible for everyone in Brecon to get involved by scanning and recycling containers at home using their kerbside collection service or by using 'on the go' return points located around the town.

Why is the trial taking place in Brecon?

Brecon ticked all the requirements for this pilot: a town of the right population, ideal location, local retailers who want to support the trial and an active recycling community who regularly use their kerbside collection service.

Do I have to take part in the trial?

No - participation is voluntary but you won't be able to claim rewards or contribute to this important trial.

I live just outside of Brecon, but I do all my shopping in the town. Can I still take part?

Yes. The only requirements are that you purchase a valid drinks container which includes a QR code (10p sticker) and return it correctly through one of the 'on the go' return points located in the town.

Can I recycle any drink container?

No, not all. Only drink containers including a QR code (10p sticker) can be used to claim a 10p reward.

Included in the trial:

PET plastic bottles* These are bottles with the following symbol [include image of the symbol] e.g., soft drinks, bottled water, fruit and vegetables juices (long life), milk and milk alternatives (long life), breakfast drinks (long life), single serve juices, smoothies, dairy drinks (chilled), energy and vitamin drinks, mixers, such as tonic and soda water
Soft drinks in aluminium and steel cans
Glass bottles containing non-alcoholic drinks* (these can only be recycled using your kerbside collection service)
Tetra Pak style cartons*

Not included in the trial:

Multipacks and special packs
Alcoholic drinks
Baby products
Chilled products (except single serve) fresh milk and juices
Cordials/dilute to drink
Items not packaged in PET plastic, cans, glass or cartons e.g., HDPE, PP

* Packed in 50ml to 2L containers

Where can I return my containers for a 10p recycling reward?

There are four ways that you can participate in the trial:

At home - apply the recycling labels included in the information pack to the outside of your recycling boxes. Then use your smartphone to scan any one of the recycling labels to sign up for a Scan|Recycle|Reward account. Scan the QR code (10p sticker) on the drink container(s) and then recycle as normal. We will credit your account with a 10p reward for every item correctly recycled.
'On the go' - using community bins (you'll need a smartphone to use these) located at: ALDI car park, The Whatton, Rich Way and Bethel Square (outside Greggs). To use, scan the QR code on the bin to open the app on your phone, then press the bin icon on the screen, follow the instructions on your phone to deposit your drink container(s) and claim rewards.
'On the go' - using automated machines - located at Brecon Leisure Centre and Morrisons. Scan the QR code on your container(s) using the machine and follow the on-screen instructions. You will have the option to credit your account (you will need a smartphone for this), take a cash voucher which, if you choose, can be donated to charity (no smartphone required for these options).Vouchers from the automatic machine in Morrisons can be redeemed in Holland and Barrett.
Over the counter - you can return drink container(s) to Holland & Barrett, Premier (Brecon Convenience) and SPAR, by handing over the item(s) to the store staff. A cash reward will be issued once the container has been checked. If you prefer you can donate this to Brecon Food Bank and Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, our nominated local charities using the in-store charity pot.

Glass containers can ONLY be returned through your home recycling service.

I don't have access to a smartphone. Does this mean I can't take part?

You can still take part even if you don't have a smartphone, although you will not be able to claim a reward for returning glass containers (as they can only be returned through household recycling boxes).

You don't need a smartphone to return your containers using the automated machines in Brecon Leisure Centre and Morrisons, or 'over the counter' in Holland & Barrett, Premier (Brecon Convenience) and SPAR, by handing over the item(s) to the store staff. A cash reward will be issued once the container has been checked. If you prefer you can donate this to Brecon Food Bank and Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, our nominated local charities using the in-store charity pot.

Rewards and payments

How and when do I get my rewards?

If you are using your smartphone to scan the containers, your account will be credited 10p every time you return a container correctly. Whenever your account balance reaches £5, a reward coupon will be generated which you will be able to claim at your convenience. When you are ready to claim coupons, you will be transferred to a secure website where you can request that your reward is paid directly into your bank account. At the end of the trial, you will be able to claim any remaining reward coupons left in your account.

If you return your containers 'over the counter' to Holland & Barrett, Premier (Brecon Convenience) and SPAR, you will receive your reward in cash. If you prefer you can donate this to Brecon Food Bank and Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, our nominated local charities using the in-store charity pot.

If you use the automated machines in Brecon Leisure Centre or Morrisons without using your phone, you can get a cash voucher which, if you choose, can be donated to charity.

Vouchers from the automatic machine in the leisure centre can be redeemed in the leisure centre café.

Vouchers from the automatic machine in Morrisons can be redeemed in Holland and Barrett.

What charity can I donate my rewards to?

The nominated local charities are Brecon Food Bank and Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. All donations will be split equally between the two charities.

I've been asked to provide my bank details - do I have to provide them?

Each time you want to claim a £5 reward coupon you will be asked to enter your bank account number and sort code to enable us to transfer your rewards directly into your bank account. This will be done on a secure website. You will need to do this for every reward coupon you claim.

I am concerned about giving my bank account details - what security do you have in place to stop my account details being stolen?

The payments process will be managed through a specialist payment provider who is licensed to manage banking information securely. They will not retain any bank information once your reward coupon has been claimed and the cash transferred into your account except the information they are required to retain by law. No other parties involved in this trial will have access to your bank account details. Remember, just giving your bank account number and sort code does not enable anyone to access your bank account - NEVER share your passwords or PIN.

I have claimed a reward coupon but have not received the money in my bank account. What do I do?

Email us at recyclereward@powys.gov.uk with details of your coupon.

I bought a product that should have had a sticker but, when I got home, I found that it didn't have a sticker. How do I claim my reward?

There may be occasions when products are offered for sale but have not yet had a QR code (10p sticker) applied. Unfortunately, rewards can only be given for stickered products.

Scanning

How do I scan the label on my drink container using my phone?

Access the camera on your smartphone and make sure the drink container QR code (10p sticker) and the barcode of the product is in the camera view. Sometimes your phone camera takes a few seconds to focus. Hold your smartphone about 3 inches/7.5 cm away from the container and it will recognise the code. Then simply follow the instructions on your smartphone. Your phone will need to scan both the sticker code and the product bar code so make sure they are both visible to the phone camera.

I scanned some products, but my account has not been credited. What should I do?

Email us at recyclereward@powys.gov.uk with details of the products you scanned (if you have them) and the date and time you scanned them.

I bought a product and when I scanned the code it said it had already been used. What do I do?

Email us at recyclereward@powys.gov.uk with details of the product along with details of where and when you bought it.

What if I can't get the QR code (10p sticker) to scan?

The app will ask you to try a few times, please try scanning the QR code (10p sticker) again. If you still cannot scan the code, email us at recyclereward@powys.gov.uk with details of the product along with details of where and when you bought it.

Why am I asked to allow access for my phone camera to be used?

You must allow access to your phone camera to be able to scan the QR code (10p sticker) on the drink containers when recycling at home or via the community bins.

What if I declined the request to use my camera and then change my mind? How do I then allow access to the camera?

You must change your browser's camera permissions to use the app and get a reward:

If you are using Google Chrome, you can access your settings through the padlock icon in the top left of your screen, next to the URL of the page you are currently on browsing.
If you are using Firefox you can access your settings by typing "about: permissions" into the location bar as if it were a website and hitting enter.
If you are using Safari, you can access your browser settings by clicking Safari and then Preferences. You will see a pop-up box and can update your settings.

If you still have problems with this, email us at recyclereward@powys.gov.uk

Why am I asked to allow my location to be used?

Some features require you to allow your location to be used, such as the map feature allowing you to see where your nearest return points are. If you decide not to share your location, the app will still work, but the map showing the nearest return points will not be accurate.

What if I declined the request to use my location and then change my mind? How do I then allow my location to be used?

You must change your browser's location permissions to use the map function in the app:

If you are using Google Chrome, you can access your settings through the padlock icon in the top left of your screen, next to the URL of the page you are currently browsing.
If you are using Firefox you can access your settings by typing "about:permissions" into the location bar as if it were a website and hitting enter.
If you are using Safari, you can access your browser settings by clicking Safari and then Preferences. You will see a pop-up box and can update your settings.

If you still have problems with this, email us at recyclereward@powys.gov.uk

Retailers

Which retailers are involved?

ALDI
B&M
Bargain Booze
Boots
Brecon Kebab & Burger House
Brecon Leisure Centre
Certas Energy (Gulf with Spar)
Co-op
Costcutter (Brecon Infantry Battle School)
Costa
Country Kitchen
Greggs
Holland & Barrett
Morrisons
Morrisons forecourt
New Dragon
Papa Zones
Premier (Brecon Convenience)
Savers
Silver Fish Bar
SPAR
St Mary's Bakery
Sunny Chinese Take-Away
Tad Cod
The Original Factory Shop
West End Fish Bar
Y Gaer
160th Brigade Mess

Why are some retailers not on the list?

Retailers that largely offer drinks to consumers on their premises are excluded from the trial (such as cafes and restaurants). Also, some retailers have decided not to participate in the trial. You cannot claim a reward for recycling the drinks containers purchased from non-participating retailers.

Community bins

What items can I put in the community bin?

All valid containers can be returned through the community bins except glass bottles. All containers must be empty (no liquid).

Where are the community bins located?

There are two 'community bins' (you'll need a smartphone to use these) located at: ALDI car park, The Whatton, Rich Way and Bethel Square (outside Greggs).

How do I use the community bins?

To use, scan the QR code on the bin to open the app on your phone, then press the bin icon on the screen, follow the instructions on your phone to deposit your drink container(s) and claim rewards.

Automated machines

Can I use printed vouchers from the automated machine in any Brecon store?

No.

Vouchers from the automated machine in the leisure centre can be redeemed in the leisure centre café.

Vouchers from the automated machine in Morrisons can be redeemed in Holland and Barrett.

What items can I put in the automated machines?

All valid containers can be returned through the automated machines except glass bottles. All containers must be empty (no liquid).

How do I use the automated machine?

Scan the QR code (10p sticker) on the drink container using the scanner on the front of the machine. When the scan is confirmed, the access door will unlock, and you can place the container in the machine. Repeat this until all your containers are returned. You will have the option to credit your account (you will need a smartphone for this), take a cash voucher which, if you choose, can be donated to charity (no smartphone required for these options).

Vouchers from the automatic machine in the leisure centre can be redeemed in the leisure centre café.

Vouchers from the automatic machine in Morrisons can be redeemed in Holland and Barrett.

The machine will have instructions for you to follow.

Where are the automated machines located?

Automated machines are located at:

Brecon Leisure Centre
Morrisons

Over the counter returns

Which retailers accept over the counter returns?

Three stores in Brecon who operate an over-the-counter return service:

Holland & Barrett, Bethel Square
Premier (Brecon Convenience), High Street
SPAR, Bryn De Winton

What items can I return over the counter?

All valid containers can be returned over the counter except glass bottles. All containers must be empty (no liquid).

How do I return drink containers over the counter?

You can return drink container(s) to Spar, Premier (Brecon Convenience), and Holland & Barrett by handing over the item(s) to the store staff. A cash reward will be issued once the container has been checked. If you prefer you can donate this to Brecon Food Bank and Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, our nominated local charities using the in-store charity pot.

Kerbside

How do I scan my drink containers at home?

When you are ready to recycle your empty containers, scan one of the recycling labels provided in your information pack (one on each of your two bins and a third to use at your convenience) using your smartphone camera. Then follow the instructions on your phone. If you haven't received a recycling label email us at recyclereward@powys.gov.uk

I'm not sure what to do with the labels I've received in my information pack?

We have provided you with three self-adhesive recycling labels:

A label to attach to the outside of your plastics, cans and cartons recycling box (red).
A label to attach to the outside of your glass recycling box (aqua).
An 'indoor label' (black) for you to use, in case you prefer to scan your items inside your home before placing them in your recycling boxes which may be outside.

The labels on your recycling boxes help the crews check who is participating in the trial and monitor types of containers they are recycling. The labels contain no personal details and will not identify residents or their address.

I haven't received an information pack. What do I do?

An information pack has been sent to approximately 4,300 Brecon households inviting residents to sign up and get involved in the trial. If you have not received an information pack, email us at recyclereward@powys.gov.uk

Cost

Who is funding the trial?

The trial is being funded by a wide range of organisations interested in learning about the outcomes. They include the Welsh Government, retailers in Brecon, packaging companies and some drinks brands.

When I buy a drink with a QR code (10p sticker) will I be paying a 10p deposit?

No, the drinks containers with a QR code (10p sticker) will not cost more than normal. The 10p reward will be provided by the sponsors of the trial.

Reprocessing

What happens to the materials that are collected as part of the trial?

All the containers recycled as part of the trial, including the cartons, will be recycled as normal. Material will be collected by Powys County Council as part of the weekly kerbside recycling collections and reprocessed as normal. Where possible, all of Powys' kerbside materials are sent for processing within Wales, but some material is processed in England. No material travels further than this to be completely recycled or disposed of.

Glass is currently sent to a reprocessor in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.
Co-mingled plastics, cans and cartons are taken to a transfer station in Llanwern, Brecon, where magnetic and 'eddy current' separation is used to isolate the steel and aluminium cans, respectively, from the plastics and cartons.

As part of the trial, random anonymous statistical sampling will be carried out to determine what type of containers are included in the kerbside recycling boxes. This data will help identify behavioural trends and help measure the success of the trial.

Data

What personal data is taken and kept?

As part of the sign-up process your email address and postcode are captured. The email address is used solely to communicate with you about the trial. The postcode is used for analysing the trial and is not linked to individuals participating in the trial.

Once the trial and subsequent analysis is complete, all email data will be destroyed. During the process of redeeming your cash rewards, you will be taken to a secure website and asked for your bank account details (account number and sort code). This data is used to transfer funds into your bank account only. We will store your bank transaction data for the period necessary to achieve and fulfil the transaction, unless a longer storage period is required or justified by the law or through compliance with another legal obligation.

No personal data is passed to any other party. All details are explained in our Privacy Policy, available on the Web App on your smart phone.

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