WHAT ARE DRS?
Deposit and Return Systems (DRS) encourage consumers to return empty beverage containers to designated collection points and be reimbursed for the deposit fee initially paid at the time of purchasing their containers.
WHY ARE DRS IMPORTANT?
DRS have a key role to play in achieving a circular economy for beverage packaging. Well-designed DRS are one of the most efficient options for meeting collection and recycling targets. They can create a closed-loop recycling system by enabling the collected material to be recycled into new beverage containers and, consequently, reducing the demand for virgin materials. They have the benefit of providing high-quality food-grade recycled material in a clean single stream.
European countries with long-established DRS (such as the Nordics) usually report collection rates up to 95% and countries that have recently implemented DRS (e.g. Slovakia and Malta) already reach high-collection rates, up to 90%.
Importantly, DRS benefit from widespread consumer support. For example, surveys found 92% of the French public support its introduction, and in Slovakia, support rose from 83% to 89% after the DRS was introduced.
DRS PLAYBOOK: YOUR GUIDE TO MAKING NEW DRS WORK SUCCESSFULLY IN EUROPE
The DRS Playbook was commissioned from OLHC Consultants by UNESDA and Natural Mineral Waters Europe to further support the proper implementation of Deposit Return Systems (DRS) across Europe.
It provides recommendations for setting up new DRS in Europe based on the industry’s experience with beverage packaging collection.
It offers guidance on proven approaches, design principles and practical insights, while also highlighting best practices to inspire and inform adaptation to local circumstances.
STATE OF IMPLEMENTATION OF DEPOSIT AND RETURN SYSTEMS (DRS) ACROSS EUROPE
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Countries with DRS in place (% given is for collection rates for PET bottles)
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Countries where DRS will soon be introduced or where DRS are still under discussion
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No data available
Countries with DRS achieve higher collection rates:
- In countries with DRS in place, collection rates are very high, from 65% to 95% for PET bottles.
- In countries without DRS, collection rates are lower, ranging from 22% to 73%, with the notable exception of Belgium (85%).
KEY RESOURCES
Press release
It’s time to acknowledge the role of Deposit and Return Systems (DRS) in achieving a Circular Economy for beverage packaging in the EU.
Opinion article
Want to achieve circularity of beverage packaging? Wider roll-out of Deposit and Return Systems is a very good option
Position Paper
UNESDA and NMWE call for a wide deployment of well-designed deposit return systems (DRS) in EU countriesÂ
