More Than Cans and Bottles: New Frontiers for DRS Innovation: Key takeaways
Deposit systems are often associated with beverage containers. However, the underlying logic goes far beyond this use case. In the webinar “Beyond Beverages: Exploring Deposit Systems for Other Waste Streams”, held on 15 April 2026, the discussion focused on how deposit and return principles can support reuse systems across different sectors, from food service to packaging and events.
The conversation highlighted a central idea: reuse does not happen by simply replacing a disposable product with a reusable one. It depends on the system around it. Recovery, washing, logistics, incentives and user behaviour all determine whether reuse works in practice.
Who participated
Moderated by Martín Valese (Global Deposit and Return Platform), the panel brought together Andrea Garzón (Huella Verde, Ecuador), Marta Sainz (POTS, Spain) and Agustina Legaza (Qero Ecovasos, Argentina), who shared practical experiences implementing reuse systems in different contexts.
What was discussed
The webinar explored how deposit logic can be applied beyond beverage containers, focusing on real-world systems for reusable tableware, glass packaging and cups. Speakers addressed key operational questions such as how to recover items, ensure proper washing, design incentives for return and build financially viable models.
A strong emphasis was placed on the idea that reuse systems must be adapted to each context. Food courts, festivals, supermarkets and hospitality all require different operational designs, even if they share the same underlying principles.
Final reflection
The webinar highlighted that deposit systems are not only tools for managing waste, but also mechanisms to retain value and enable circular models across different sectors. Expanding their application beyond beverages opens new opportunities, but also requires a shift in how systems are designed and operated.
As demonstrated by the experiences shared, reuse works when it is built as a system. The challenge now is to adapt and scale these models across new materials and contexts, ensuring that products not only enter the system, but successfully return.
A notable common thread across the three experiences was their ability to move forward without waiting for regulation or systemic change. Rather than relying on public policy, these initiatives were built through private actors and partnerships, showing that practical implementation can often advance faster than regulation itself.
Key learnings
Reuse depends on system design, not just on products
Across all presentations, a common message emerged: the challenge is not introducing reusable items, but making sure they come back. Without a well-designed system, reusable products risk becoming just “better-looking disposables”.
Speakers highlighted that successful systems require coordination between multiple actors, including users, operators and businesses. Responsibility shifts from individual disposal to shared management of the product lifecycle.
Washing infrastructure is essential for circularity
Reuse at scale requires reliable washing systems. From food courts in Ecuador to industrial bottle washing in Spain and event logistics in Argentina, all cases showed that cleaning infrastructure is a core enabler of reuse.
Despite often being overlooked, washing is what makes reuse viable. It ensures hygiene, enables circulation and replaces the continuous production of single-use items.
Deposit systems ensure return and preserve value
Deposit mechanisms can play a key role in improving return rates and distributing responsibility across users. By assigning value to an item, they create an incentive for it to come back into the system.
Interestingly, while the concept of a deposit is widely understood, it is referred to differently across contexts. Terms such as “seña”, “prenda”, “garantía” or “fianza” reflect how this same principle is already embedded in everyday practices across countries.
At the same time, speakers noted that deposits are not always the only solution. What matters most is ensuring that products retain value and that systems are designed to make return easy and worthwhile.
Economic viability relies on efficiency and collaboration
Reuse systems can compete with disposables, but only when they are highly efficient. Business models depend on optimising logistics, reducing losses and aligning incentives between stakeholders.
Examples from Ecuador, Spain and Argentina showed that reuse can be financially viable when supported by partnerships, operational learning and careful system design.
Environmental and social benefits go beyond waste reduction
In addition to reducing waste, reuse systems can significantly lower emissions and resource use compared to single-use alternatives. They can also generate local employment and support more inclusive economic models.
Lifecycle thinking is key to understanding these impacts, as the benefits of reuse increase with each additional cycle of use.
We invite you to watch the full session recording and explore the discussion through practical examples and operational insights. You can also stay connected with the Global Deposit and Return Platform through our website, where you will find resources, case studies and information about upcoming webinars and the Global DRS Academy.
You can also stay connected with the Global Deposit and Return Platform for upcoming webinars already announced:
Next on 17th June about DRS legislation.
