PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 06/25 www.petpla.net 15 EDITOUR years into its deposit return scheme, Latvia recorded a 61% reduction in plastic containers in coastline litter, and a 49% reduction among all DRS containers. 54% of consumers said the environment had become cleaner after the DRS. In Slovakia, drink cans made up 20.5% of collected litter 1.5 years before the DRS (with PET bottles making up 15%), dropping to 2.2% just 1.5 years after the return scheme (and 3.2% for PET bottles). Six months after Ireland’s deposit return scheme launch, it was announced the DRS had led to a huge reduction in drink containers found in coastal clean-ups. Socially, DRSs raise public awareness and change behaviours around recycling and waste reduction. In many countries, a new DRS has been accompanied by educational campaigns, fostering a culture of recycling and environmental responsibility. By the end of Lithuania’s first year with DRS, 99.8% of the public were aware of the system, with 89% having used it at least once; 58% reported recycling more, and 78% believed the deposit scheme was good and necessary. In Norway, more than 92% said it is very important for them to be able to return every container; they believe it is good for the environment, and trust the system. Research 1.5 years into Latvia’s DRS found the system is used at least once per month by 80% of the population, and by 94% of households. What’s next for deposit return schemes in Europe and the EU “The future of DRS in Europe looks busy and bustling, with several countries planning to implement these schemes in the coming years,” explains Thomas Morgenstern. Austria introduced its DRS on January 1, 2025, aiming to increase the recycling rate from the current 70% to 90% by 2027, to reduce litter and enhance high quantity and quality resource recovery. Poland is set to introduce its DRS in 2025. Portugal has announced it will begin with a deposit scheme in 2026. In January, DRS regulations for England and Northern Ireland in the United Kingdom were passed by both hours of parliament, with the deposit refund scheme set to go live in October 2027. Greece and Spain are also aiming for DRS implementation. “Deposit systems have proven to be an effective tool in European countries’ efforts to enhance their collection rate and recycling rate, reduce waste, combat litter, and reuse valuable resources. The history, current trends and future prospects of DRS highSource: Tomra light their importance in achieving recycling and waste management goals. As we look to the future, continued modernisation and innovation will be essential as DRS becomes a cornerstone of Europe’s circular economy,” says Thomas Morgenstern. www.tomra.com
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