What Happens When the Counts Don't Match?

What is a return discrepancy?

Every time an eligible container is accepted, a deposit refund may be issued to the customer.

The returned container then needs to remain accounted for until it is collected and, where applicable, counted and verified.

A discrepancy occurs when the number of returns recorded by the retailer does not match the number of eligible containers ultimately verified.

How can this happen?

Differences may be caused by:

• Human counting errors
• Ineligible containers being accepted
• Incorrect refund quantities
• Containers being lost or removed
• Open or unsecured bags
• Incorrect bagging or tagging
• Differences between store records and verified counts

Even small errors can add up when a store processes large volumes of containers.

Why does it matter?

A retailer may have already issued deposit refunds based on the number of containers it believes it has accepted.

If fewer eligible containers are later verified, this can create a financial discrepancy.

For example:

500 containers refunded

480 eligible containers verified

20-container discrepancy

The financial impact of any discrepancy will depend on the rules and reconciliation process of the relevant Deposit Return Scheme.

How can retailers reduce discrepancies?

Strong processes can help improve accuracy.

Retailers should consider:

• Verifying containers before issuing a refund
• Accurately recording every return
• Securing containers after they have been accepted
• Correctly bagging and tagging returns
• Maintaining a clear chain of custody
• Regularly reviewing return records

Small errors can become big numbers

A small discrepancy may not appear significant on a single day.

But when repeated across weeks, months and thousands of containers, small errors can become a much larger financial and operational issue.