What is DRS?
Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) have been in operation in some
countries for over 40 years. In fact, the Corona soft drinks brand
operated a money back scheme until the 1980’s based on the
value printed on the top of their bottle caps. Children would
supplement their pocket money by taking bottles back to the
corner shop to get a refund.
Turn the clock forward 40 years, and DRS is set to become an
important initiative in many countries, including the UK, which
plans to roll out a DRS scheme starting in Scotland in 2024.
Started recycling
DRS is largely a scheme initiated by individual governments or trade bodies to contribute to the increase of recycling and reduction of aluminium cans, plastic, and glass bottles ending up in landfill. The most established and successful schemes have been operating in Scandinavia since the early 80’s with Sweden and Norway the most widely known.
Successful results
In both these countries, the schemes were set up in partnership with the bottling and grocery trade associations with the support of government legislation. The results in
both countries have been dramatic with 85% of target materials being recycled in Sweden, and a remarkable 97% of plastic bottles returned in Norway and 92% of all
plastic bottles recycled back into plastic bottles for reuse.
Another key to success is how the government has delivered legislation with teeth that places an environmental
tax on the bottling companies which is waived when 95% of all single use bottles are returned.
Recycling the world
The lessons learned from these two successful initiatives is that incentives clearly work when it comes to recycling of product
packaging, and similar models are now being considered or rolled out by many countries across the globe. In the EU, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Lithuania and the Netherlands, have all successfully launched schemes.
The DRS process is usually overseen by an independent not-for-profit organisation supported by government and in some cases legislation.
Started recycling
DRS is largely a scheme initiated by individual governments or trade bodies to contribute to the increase of recycling and reduction of aluminium cans, plastic, and glass bottles ending up in landfill. The most established and successful schemes have been operating in Scandinavia since the early 80’s with Sweden and Norway the most widely known.
Successful results
In both these countries, the schemes were set up in partnership with the bottling and grocery trade associations with the support of government legislation. The results in
both countries have been dramatic with 85% of target materials being recycled in Sweden, and a remarkable 97% of plastic bottles returned in Norway and 92% of all
plastic bottles recycled back into plastic bottles for reuse.
Another key to success is how the government has delivered legislation with teeth that places an environmental
tax on the bottling companies which is waived when 95% of all single use bottles are returned.
Recycling the world
The lessons learned from these two successful initiatives is that incentives clearly work when it comes to recycling of product
packaging, and similar models are now being considered or rolled out by many countries across the globe. In the EU, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Lithuania and the Netherlands, have all successfully launched schemes.
The DRS process is usually overseen by an independent not-for-profit organisation supported by government and in some cases legislation.
Countries with DRS
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