Many retailers already run in-store collection programs — from shoes to small electronics, even batteries.
It feels like the right thing to do, and often it’s positioned as a way to drive foot traffic.
But every program carries hidden costs: staff handling time, logistics, recycler fees, and back-of-house space. Without data, ROI is invisible.
The good news: with the right system in place, you can measure — and improve — the return on your collection programs.
Here are five metrics that make the difference between a “feel-good” program and one that delivers measurable value.
Current state: Items are dropped anonymously. Retailers may only see a bag or pallet weight, with no clue what’s inside.
With Utilitarian: Each scan tags item type, brand, or model before drop-off. Retailers see which products flow back — and, if they choose to issue a reward or run a competition, they can also link the scan back to the customer profile as a way of saying thank you.
Current state: Most programs only measure weight collected. That hides real engagement.
With Utilitarian: A quick scan before drop-off gives you item-level participation, normalised by store traffic. Retailers can see how many customers engage — and, if an incentive is attached, who engaged, enabling cleaner loyalty data.
Current state: Items can be tossed in bins without record, so data quality is patchy at best.
With Utilitarian: Scan compliance shows what % of items were logged correctly. Where incentives or competitions are in play, compliance also means every eligible customer gets recognised.
Current state: Retailers rarely know how many drop-offs are unusable — they only hear from recyclers much later, if at all.
With Utilitarian: Rejected items are captured at the scan stage with reason codes. Customers can still receive a thank-you reward for participating, even if the item wasn’t eligible — reducing frustration and maintaining goodwill.
Current state: Collection data is lumped into “monthly pickups.” No one knows when customers actually engage.
With Utilitarian: Scans are timestamped, so retailers see peaks by hour or day. When linked with rewards or competitions, this also reveals which customers are most active — turning drop-offs into loyalty moments.
Take-back programs aren’t free. They already carry staff, logistics, and recycler costs. Without data, ROI is assumed rather than proven.
By tracking just these five metrics, you can:
See the baseline ROI of your program.
Improve participation without adding staff load.
Generate credible sustainability data for ESG and Finance.
📘 Want the full framework?
Download the AU Retail Take-Back Playbook — a 2-page guide with levers, pilot map, and a unit economics template.
Circularity, Made Simple.
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