Reloop North America’s new resource sets out the 10 key requirements for successful implementation of a DRS and case studies to serve as a roadmap for policymakers, advocates, and producers seeking the best public policy solutions to the pressing problem of beverage container waste.
A Guide to Modern Deposit Return Systems
Redemption – The Podcast Designed to Save DRS
Our podcast series for policymakers, advocates, and industry leaders to take climate action and fix our broken recycling system.
Listen to the podcast
Did you know?
- The Northeast is warming faster than global average temperatures with plastic waste littering its coastlines and waterways – both issues modernized DRSs address.
- The US loses $5.1 billion a year in beverage containers to litter, incinerators, and landfills. In the Northeast alone, 403 beverage containers per person are wasted every year.
- Modernized deposit return systems can reduce regional greenhouse gas emissions by about 550,000 metric tons, save cities & towns $111—$160 million, and create over 2,700 jobs.
Need for action
The escalating climate crisis means we must act now. Deposit return systems have been proven to be the most effective way to collect the necessary material for post-consumer recycled content use. When designed to Reloop’s 10 principles, a DRS can collect 90% of beverage containers, allowing that material to be recycled into new bottles.
Reimagining the Bottle Bill informs stakeholders using data analysis on high-performing DRS design principles while also providing convening opportunities for education and constructive dialogue around DRS.
STAY INFORMED
10 High-performance principles for modernizing deposit return systems
1
EASY & EQUITABLE
2
90% COLLECTION RATE
3
$0.10 MINIMUM DEPOSIT
4
INCLUSIVE CIRCULAR SYSTEM
5
PRODUCER FUNDED
6
FAIR PAY FOR SERVICE PROVIDERS
7
FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR MUNICIPAL RECYCLING PROGRAMS
8
CLEAR SYSTEM STANDARDS & FUNCTIONS
9
PRODUCER REPORTING ON UNITS SOLD
10
GOVERNMENT OVERSIGHT AND ENFORCEMENT
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About Reloop North America
Building on Reloop’s success in Europe and the Pacific Region, Reloop North America launched in August of 2020 covering Canada and the US.
Recent efforts from advocates and industry have shown increased interest in circular economy legislation including deposit return systems, minimum recycled content requirements, and extended producer responsibility.
Elizabeth Balkan
Director, Reloop North America
Elizabeth brings over a decade of strategy and public policy experience.
She served as Director of Food Waste at the Natural Resources Defense Council, growing the Food Matters cities initiative to include over 40 cities across the US.
Previously, she worked as director of policy at the New York City Department of Sanitation, developing NYC’s zero-waste plan, and in the Mayor’s Office during the Bloomberg administration. As a consultant, she has worked with a range of international NGOs and private sector stakeholders.
