Overview

In the past few years, recycling system conditions in the U.S. have eroded significantly. Contributing factors include falling oil prices, the near total stoppage ban of plastic exports through China’s National Sword policy and industry fluctuations related to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the EPA, only 8.7% of plastics are recycled in the United States. The remaining plastic is incinerated, landfilled, or could be used to supply plastic-to-fuel or chemical recycling, all of which are harmful to our health and environment. Deposit return systems (DRSs) or bottle bills decrease litter to help bring healthier, cleaner communities. DRS is a producer-financed system that places a refundable deposit on beverage containers made from common materials like plastic, glass, and metal. Designed as an economic incentive, customers pay a small fee on the purchase of certain beverage containers, which they get back in full when they return the empty container to a convenient and easily accessible collection point.