Deposit Return Systems

 

A deposit return scheme (DRS), also known as a deposit return system or container deposit scheme, is a way of incentivizing the return of drink containers for recycling – by charging a deposit when a drink is purchased, and refunding it when the container is brought back for recycling. High-performing deposit return systems achieve collection rates of more than 90%. 

How does a deposit return system work?

Deposit return systems for beverage containers work by adding a small extra deposit on top of the price of a beverage – such as those in plastic/glass bottles, cans and other kinds of packaging – which is refunded to the consumer when they return the empty drink container for recycling. Deposit return systems are typically established through legislation passed by state or national governments.

 

Principles and elements of high-performing deposit return systems

All of the elements - when applied together - will address global waste challenges and advance a circular economy. As with all policies, local culture, infrastructure, and politics need to be factored in to shape the system that works best for each market.

We pioneered reverse vending - and we're still leading the way

Reverse vending machines are a key part of deposit return systems, which see up to 98% of all drink containers returned for recycling. No other waste collection system comes close to these return levels. TOMRA’s reverse vending machines collect billions used containers every year for recycling in a closed loop. 

 

How a high-performing deposit return system works in practice

Learn how a well-designed deposit return system enables efficient recycling by coordinating financial and data flows between producers, retailers, consumers, and administrators—ensuring transparency, convenience, and high return rates for beverage containers.

Ebooks

Rewarding recycling: learnings from the world's highest-performing deposit return systems

Read now or download TOMRA’s white paper revealing best practices in designing deposit return systems for beverage container recycling.

Deposit return systems in short

Learn more about how deposit return systems can significantly boost recycling rates, reduce plastic pollution, and support a circular economy through proven global practices.

 

Continue exploring. Learn more about the Holistic Resource System.

 

With potential to reduce CO2 globally by 2.76 billion tonnes annually*, Holistic Resource Systems can triple the impact on reducing GHG emissions by combining the use of deposit return systems, separate collections, and mixed waste sorting.

*2030 scenario vs. current waste management practice.

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Pillars of Holistic Resource Systems

 

Mixed waste sorting (MWS), deposit return systems (DRS), and separate collection form a synergistic framework under extended producer responsibility (EPR) to maximize recycling and minimize waste. Together, they create a closed-loop system that boosts recycling rates and reduces environmental impact.

 

 

Holistic Resource Systems Explained

 
Holistic Resource Systems (HRS) are proven waste management solutions that manage resources and minimize their impact on the planet.  Deposit return systems (DRS) for single-use and refillable beverage containers, separate collections for certain waste fractions and mixed waste sorting (MWS) prior to landfill and incineration, coupled with advanced mechanical recycling (AMR), ambitious and specific targets, are key drivers in tackling plastic pollution.  
 

 

 

Ebooks

Holistic Resource Systems

 

We break down the cutting-edge strategies and real-world examples that show how holistic resource management can revolutionize waste systems.  

Holistic Resource Systems in short

 

Holistic Resource Systems integrate waste management solutions that manage resources and minimize their impact on the planet. Learn more about these solutions.