What is a Deposit Return Scheme?
A deposit return scheme is a system where consumers pay a small deposit when buying a drink in a recyclable container. When they return the empty container to a reverse vending machine or collection point, they get their deposit back. This creates a powerful economic incentive to recycle.
DRS schemes consistently achieve return rates of 85–95%, far above kerbside recycling. Countries including Germany, Norway, Sweden, and Estonia have operated successful DRS systems for decades.