As
modern affluent industrial societies have provided more and more mobility
and convenience to their citizens, demand has grown for consumer packaging
that is lightweight and non-breakable.
Policies are constantly evolving to ensure the collection and recycling
of these high-value packaging materials at consistently high levels. One
type of policy that has proven to be highly effective in reaching and
sustaining high recovery rates is a deposit/refund system which provides
a financial incentive for consumers to return empty containers for recycling.
Deposit Laws Increase Recycling
The
beverage container deposit type of legislation, while unpopular with many
industry groups, continues to be actively debated world-wide. However,
it has proven its effectiveness in over three decades of operation. Regions
with Deposit Laws experienced reduced litter and recycling rates exceeding
75%.
Beverage Container Recycling Activities World-Wide
(Click on Flag).
As
modern affluent industrial societies have provided more and more mobility
and convenience to their citizens, demand has grown for consumer packaging
that is lightweight and non-breakable. 
The
beverage container deposit type of legislation, while unpopular with many
industry groups, continues to be actively debated world-wide. However,
it has proven its effectiveness in over three decades of operation. Regions
with Deposit Laws experienced reduced litter and recycling rates exceeding
75%.
