Evaluating the effectiveness, costs, and challenges of deposit return systems for beverage containers: A meta-analysis
Faculty of Environment and Urban Change, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Research Article
World Journal of Advanced Engineering Technology and Sciences, 2024, 13(01), 112–131.
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjaets.2024.13.1.0397
Publication history:
Received on 30 July 2024; revised on 07 September 2024; accepted on 09 September 2024
Abstract:
This study conducts a comprehensive meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness, economic costs, and long-term sustainability of deposit return systems (DRS) for beverage containers across various countries. DRS are recognized as a critical strategy to enhance recycling rates, reduce environmental waste, and support the transition toward a circular economy. While empirical evidence from countries like Germany, Norway, and Lithuania indicates that DRS can achieve recycling rates exceeding 90%, challenges such as high setup costs, stakeholder resistance, policy inconsistency, and adaptability to market changes complicate their implementation and sustainability. The analysis synthesizes data from diverse geographic contexts, highlighting the factors that contribute to the success or failure of DRS, including public engagement, policy stability, technological adaptation, and effective stakeholder collaboration. The findings suggest that while DRS can provide substantial environmental and economic benefits, their long-term success is contingent upon sustained public participation, consistent policies, adaptability to market shifts, and robust stakeholder engagement. This study offers critical insights for policymakers, environmental advocates, and industry stakeholders seeking to optimize DRS as a tool for sustainable waste management.
Keywords:
Deposit Return; Waste Management; Sustainability; Circularity; Packaging
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Copyright information:
Copyright © 2024 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0