💬  Can you ensure that new innovations, including those that threaten current business models of established vendors (such as Digital DRS), are given an opportunity to be part of the platform and receive balanced and informed input? (Anonymous)

Joan Marc Simón: The platform is a place for discussion and learning around the topic of DRS and we will do our best to provide a balanced approached to the issue. Feel free to share your concerns and we can see how best take them into account. 

💬 Why is the focus on recycling rather than reuse? In remote communities (such as islands), recycling seems like a similar problem as waste, as there are often no adequate processing facilities. Wouldn’t reuse through a DRS be the ideal approach? (Anonymous)

Tiza Mafira: Reuse is indeed a more ideal approach than recycling, as it is easier to replicate, requires no particular technology, and is less energy and emissions intensive. Islands may not have access to recycling technology, but all liveable islands will more likely have access to clean water and washing facilities. If DRS systems are in place, existing reusable containers can stay inside the island circulation system for multiple reuse cycles, and drastically reduce waste.

Lucía Norris: Sorry, I think I did not explain myself correctly. I intended to say that although , according to research, islands are focusing mainly on recycling, the focus should be on reuse, therefore I absolutely agree with you that reuse is the approach we need for islands!  

💬 Recycling still contributes to virgin plastic production and is not a real solution unless the reused products are non-toxic and raw materials are responsibly extracted with safeguards for human health and the environment. (Frankie Orona)

Lucía Norris: I absolutely agree with you,  I think I did not explain myself correctly. I intended to say that although , according to our research, islands are focusing mainly on recycling, the focus should be on reuse, therefore I absolutely agree with you that reuse is the approach we need for islands!

💬 How do we clean up all the containers littered in the environment before the start of a DRS? (Noemi Bello)

Sonia Mendoza: DRS is ideal on an island because the problem of transporting back the used containers will be addressed and the carbon footprint will be less.

Conducting a baseline study is vital to recover uncollected and improperly disposed containers in the environment. Second, a multi-sectoral consultation, including industries, is a must to instill awareness among stakeholders and get their support to help recover the identified containers. Then, a policy, ideally along with an incentive program, to institutionalize the DRS is important for the efficiency, enforcement, and sustainability of the recovery of containers. 

💬 Reuse is the optimal solution, but recycling is also necessary. Shouldn’t we provide consumers with more options for returning packaging, such as digital or hybrid DRS? (Brian Cook)  

Lucía Norris: I agree, we are hoping to support local authorities in Galapagos to start DRS systems, especially  now that  we will be able to access all the information on the DRS platform, which can hopefully,  directly inform decisions locally!

💬 How can local organizations apply for funding to support recycling and sustainability projects? (Balkisha Bashir)

Joan Marc Simón: We don’t have any funding to give away ourselves and our approach is to partner with local groups to find this funding together. Note however that a precondition for any type of fundraising collaboration is for local organisations (or their representatives) to have finalised the 2 training courses in the platform’s website in order to ensure alignment in the understanding of DRS and proper prior planning on how to adapt DRS to local conditions. 

💬 Can you elaborate on the funding and organization of the platform? (Hanne Svenningssen)
Joan Marc Simón: We did it live. Otherwise, the info is on the website. Check it here 👉 https://globaldrsplatform.net/about/

💬 Do you have information on different methods for governments to manage DRS? (Dana Winograd)  

Alejandro Nario: Methods that governments can use to manage the Deposit Refund System: There are no set formulas; each country must adapt them to its own reality. The key is to consider that the DRS is not an isolated measure but should be part of a broader packaging waste management policy. Its implementation (how this responsibility is transferred and whether it applies to all packaging from the start or begins with an initial phase) depends on each country’s starting point and level of maturity. It is advisable for it to be developed within the broader framework of the extended producer responsibility system.

💬 What strategies have been most effective in encouraging consumer participation in DRS, especially in regions with low awareness of waste segregation? (Frank Sekyere)

Sonia Mendoza: Before launching our Deposit Return System (DRS), we need a clear picture of what’s already in place. Examining past and present DRS efforts in our city will reveal valuable opportunities we can leverage and potential hurdles we can prepare for, ultimately minimizing risks. Understanding our city’s current waste management programs and policies is equally crucial. This ensures our DRS awareness campaigns and collection systems are aligned and integrated, creating an effective and sustainable program.

Integrating DRS in the Zero Waste program will be a holistic awareness campaign.
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Tiza Mafira: By highlighting the incentives: whether that is through cashback upon return of containers, discounts for the next purchase, or collection of points that can be aggregated and then redeemed.  All of these are different forms of Deposit Return Schemes that are easily understood, convenient and cost-effective for consumers.

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Ahmed Tiamiyu: In regions with low awareness of waste segregation, effective strategies for encouraging consumer participation in Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) include:

1. Education and Awareness Campaigns: Targeted outreach through media, schools, and community events helps inform consumers about the environmental and financial benefits of waste segregation.
2. Incentive Programs: Offering financial rewards or discounts for returning recyclable containers motivates participation, especially when linked to tangible benefits like cash or store credits.
3. Convenient Collection Points: Ensuring easily accessible drop-off points or reverse vending machines in high-traffic areas (e.g., shopping centers) boosts participation by reducing effort for consumers.
4. Partnerships with Local Businesses: Engaging local businesses to support DRS, whether through collection points or promotional efforts, helps integrate the scheme into everyday consumer habits.
5. Community Engagement: Involving local leaders and organizations to champion the program and create a sense of shared responsibility fosters long-term behavior change.

These strategies create both awareness and tangible benefits, leading to higher participation in DRS programs.

💬 If we need to convince people to accept DRS, shouldn’t we also focus on raising awareness in schools and universities? (Noemi Bellò)

Sonia Mendoza: Including schools and universities can be one of the priorities in the DRS program. A baseline study and consultation will help in designing a proper DRS system in schools and universities.

Alejandro Nario: We fully share the importance of raising awareness in schools and universities. Moreover, it would be very interesting to include the circular economy approach in the curriculum of formal education institutions, along with the example of DRS as a concrete system for its application.

💬 What best practices have been observed in countries successfully implementing both Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and DRS? (Raymond James Ntabazi)

Tiza Mafira: That can be a long list. We invite you to check our library where we you can find best practices and we will continue to update. 

  💬 Is plastic packaging design a crucial factor in ensuring the effectiveness of a DRS? In Kenya, virgin plastic is often cheaper than recycled plastic—how has this challenge been addressed in other countries? (Anonymous)  

Alejandro Nario: No, the design of the packaging is not crucial. Packaging can be made from virgin material, and its recovery remains effective because each container returned through this system is one that is guaranteed not to end up in the environment. However, it is essential to consider that implementing the DRS enhances the recovery of materials within a high-quality recycling loop. Therefore, it is beneficial to take advantage of its implementation by requiring a certain percentage of recycled material in packaging. That said, it is also important to analyze each country’s situation to assess the feasibility of such requirements.

💬 I am in India—can anyone comment on whether there are DRS initiatives or connections in India? I would love to connect with anyone who can guide me on how to start a DRS as policy changes in India are already underway. (Preeti Jagwani)  

Tiza Mafira: Please connect with Pinky Chandran who is based in India, and is representing BFFP as one of the co-convenors of the Asia Reuse Consortium.  Her email is [email protected]  

💬 What impact could this model have on the waste pickers community? While the environmental benefits are clear, what happens to the social aspect? (Anonymous)  

Alejandro Nario: The impact of a DRS model on the recycling community will depend on how it is implemented, particularly on whether it includes the integration of waste pickers in its application. In the case of Uruguay, the Waste Management Law passed in 2019 explicitly mandates the inclusion of waste picker communities in the implementation of all actions under the law.