New global analysis confirms deposit return systems drastically reduce beverage container litter
Ahead of the UN Ocean Conference in Nice (9 June—13 June 2025), a new global analysis by Reloop reveals that jurisdictions that implement or expand deposit return systems (DRS) see beverage container litter fall by more than half, on average, and by as much as 89% in some cases.
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Littered with evidence: Proof that deposit return systems work
Report drawing on litter composition data from more than 100 jurisdictions, to show the positive impact of deposit return systems.
Why metrics matter in reducing litter
The report also explores how different metrics (count, weight, volume) can significantly influence how litter is understood and addressed.
How many vs. how much? A tale of two metrics
An international survey found that while cigarette butts were the most frequently littered item by count, it’s plastic bottles that top the list by weight.
Data source: Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup.
86% less plastic bottle waste
In countries with a deposit system, plastic bottles accounted for an average of just 0.5% of total litter by count in 2023, compared to 3.2% in countries without a scheme – an 86% lower share.
As countries seek solutions to marine pollution and rising cleanup costs, this report delivers clear, evidence-based support for DRS as an essential tool.
“These new results offer strong and persuasive proof, coming from a fresh global analysis, about how well-designed deposit return systems can be so important in cutting plastic pollution at source, stopping those harmful bottles and cans from reaching our oceans.”
Alexis Eisenberg
Director, Reloop France et Francophonie
About AlexisAlexis has more than ten years of professional experience in the circular economy sector and public policies for packaging. Before joining Reloop, Alexis acted as an advisor to the president for the Quebec Society for Recovery and Recycling (Recyc-Québec), attached to the Ministry of the Environment. In particular, he was involved for several years in government and industrial relations through the draft law on the modernisation of deposits and selective collection. Alexis has also worked as a consultant specialising in strategy and sustainable development in the firms of Deloitte and Grant Thornton.
Supporting fact sheets
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The deposit divide: Why jurisdictions with deposit return systems stay cleaner
Companion fact sheet presenting regional and global data showing that beverage containers account for a smaller share of total litter in jurisdictions with deposit systems, no matter how you measure it.
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Before and after: How deposit return systems cut beverage container litter
Companion fact sheet with case studies demonstrating how deposit systems can dramatically reduce beverage container litter, often within the first year of implementation.
Related
In-depth webinar exploring the findings of our latest global analysis on the effectiveness of deposit return systems in tackling drinks-related litter.
In this special episode, Barry Snedden sits down with Reloop CEO Clarissa Morawski to discuss the most effective solution to litter we have at our disposal today: deposit return systems.
