Redemption is a podcast dedicated to exploring A Guide to Modern Deposit Return Systems: 10 Essential Practices. The series is produced by Reloop North America with its Director, Elizabeth Balkan, serving as our host.
In each episode of Redemption, we dive deep into one of the essential practices and hear how they’re being used together by states and countries to build, run, and maintain an effective deposit return system to address the massive problem of beverage container waste.
Our guests include policymakers, advocates, and system operators, all seeking the best public policy solutions to change the reality that every minute worldwide 2.5 million beverage containers are being burned, buried or littered.
We hear from pioneers forging the exciting path to effective post-consumer material recovery and reuse. The Guide to Modern Deposit Return Systems will serve as our roadmap, our reference, and our inspiration on this journey.
Redemption Podcast episodes
- In this episode of Redemption, we revisit the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and dive deeper into the role that reuse could play in transforming how we manage waste and packaging. While the PPWR sets ambitious goals for recycling and reducing single-use packaging, we explore how reuse systems have the potential to push […]
- In this episode of Redemption, we explore the often-overlooked but essential practice of reuse. Although reuse ranks higher than recycling in the waste hierarchy, it is frequently left out of discussions about large-scale solutions to the plastics crisis and landfill overflow. Our global guests—advocates and pioneers—share insights on how reuse is being implemented across various […]
- In the latest episode of Redemption we dive into the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP), led by the World Economic Forum. Our guest, Clemence Schmid, Director of GPAP, shares how this initiative is tackling the global plastic waste crisis through National Plastic Action Plans (NPAPs) across 17 countries. Discover the strategic approach behind GPAP's efforts […]
- In the latest episode of Redemption, we delve into Europe’s ambitious Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), a groundbreaking legislation aimed at reducing packaging waste, promoting a circular economy, and harmonizing internal market rules. Adopted by the European Parliament in April 2023, this regulation is set to transform waste management practices across Europe. Clarissa Morawski […]
- This special episode of Redemption features a roundtable discussion with experts from CalRecycle – Clara Vazeix, Mindy McIntyre, and Krystal Acierto. Discover how California is leading the way towards a circular economy through a comprehensive approach that emphasizes industry partnerships and standardized definitions. Elizabeth Balkan and the CalRecycle team delve into the state's zero waste […]
- The new season of Redemption brings you a special live recording from the 4th Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) meeting in Ottawa, in April 2024. Tune in to understand the stakes at INC-4 and what it means for the global fight against plastic pollution. Featuring insightful discussions with Taylor Cass Talbott from the International Alliance of […]
- Join us on a new chapter of "Redemption," as we delve deeper into resource recovery and circular material management, exploring their environmental and social ramifications. Each month, we will bring you a curated selection of content on a wide array of environmental and social topics, keeping you informed about global policy practices. Stay tuned as […]
- In the 14th episode of Redemption, we delve into one final facet of A Guide to Modern Deposit Return Systems: 10 Essential Practices – Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Explore how EPR and DRS can complement each other to enhance packaging recovery and recycling rates. Featuring insights from industry experts Mike Noel of TOMRA and Lynn […]
- Episode 13 of Redemption, delves into the intersection of modern deposit return systems (DRS) and existing curbside recycling programs, focusing on their impact on material recovery facilities (MRFs). We discuss how well-designed DRSs can complement MRF operations, mitigate revenue loss, and improve material recovery. Through insights from industry experts Lynn Hoffman in Minnesota and Robert […]
- In the twelfth episode of Redemption, we dive into the link between deposit return systems (DRS) and reuse initiatives. With single-use packaging dominating modern consumption, the resurgence of reusable packaging offers promising solutions to combat plastic waste. Our exploration highlights the pivotal role of DRS in facilitating the transition to refillable containers, amplifying the impact […]
