Returning Cans, Bottles,

and Cartons to Stores

The Deposit and Return System (DRS) is a global practice where consumers pay a small deposit amount when purchasing drinks like juices, water, sodas, and beers, packaged in plastic or glass bottles, cans, or cartons. Consumers can recover this deposit by returning the empty container to stores and supermarkets or depots. DRS is considered the most effective way to ensure the separate collection of beverage containers for reuse and recycling and to prevent widespread littering.

10 Key Points

1 – A Deposit Return System requires consumers to leave a small deposit when purchasing a drink, which is refunded when they return the empty container to any store or supermarket.

2 – The system covers all beverage containers for water, beer, soda, and juice, regardless of material, as these are commonly consumed outside the home and are among the most likely items to be discarded in public spaces.

3 – Over 50 regions worldwide have implemented deposit systems, achieving a recovery rate of approximately 90% of beverage containers.

4 – DRS complements existing waste collection systems, such as curbside recycling bins or door-to-door collection, which continue to handle other material streams.

5 – The system incurs no costs for regional or national governments and saves local municipalities costs by reducing the need for collection, treatment, and cleaning of up to 20% of municipal waste volume.

6 – Retailers receive compensation for each container returned and can choose to manage the process manually or automatically. In Germany, for example, 80% of return points are manual, while 20% use automated systems.

7 – The deposit is not a tax, fee, or surcharge but a refundable amount. Once the container is returned, the deposit is refunded, meaning product prices remain unaffected.

8 – DRS reduces CO2 emissions from beverage container waste management by approximately 50% compared to standard systems. Reverse logistics: the same trucks that deliver the beverages and food to the stores also collect empty containers on their return trips.

9 – The system ensures transparency and traceability for each container, holding producers and packagers accountable for 100% of the beverage containers they place on the market.

10 – The government’s role is limited to legislation and monitoring that the industry complies with it, while beverage brands and retail chains are responsible for managing the system.