How do bottle deposit systems increase plastic bottle recycling rates?

Bottle deposit systems effectively increase recycling rates by addressing two primary logistical challenges in waste management: sorting and collection.

When consumers pay a deposit on beverage containers at the time of purchase, they are incentivized to return the empty units to the store to reclaim their money. This system creates a streamlined process where the consumer performs the necessary sorting, and retail locations serve as central gathering points for the materials. By simplifying the recovery of high-value plastics like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and high-density polyethylene, these laws have helped raise recycling rates for bottles significantly compared to other plastic products.1

Beyond improving recycling efficiency, these deposit systems provide the additional benefit of reducing roadside litter. While these measures are highly effective for beverage containers, it is important to note that overall plastic recycling remains a challenge, as less than 10 percent of all plastic products are recycled after their first use.1