Reimagining the Bottle Bill
Reloop’s data analysis on high-performing deposit system design principles which deliver environmental and cost benefits to individual states and the Northeast region.
Why we need action
The Northeast United States is warming faster than global average temperatures with plastic waste littering its coastlines and waterways – both issues modernized DRSs address.
The US loses $5.1 billion a year in beverage containers to litter, incinerators, and landfills. In the Northeast alone, 403 beverage containers per person are wasted every year.
Modernized deposit return systems can reduce regional greenhouse gas emissions by about 550,000 metric tons, save cities & towns $111—$160 million, and create over 2,700 jobs.
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Reimagining the Bottle Bill
Data analysis on high-performing deposit system design principles which deliver environmental and cost benefits to individual states and the region as a whole.
Proven effectiveness of Deposit Return Systems
The escalating climate crisis means we must act now. Deposit return systems have been proven to be the most effective way to collect the necessary material for post-consumer recycled content use. When designed to Reloop’s 10 principles, a DRS can collect 90% of beverage containers, allowing that material to be recycled into new bottles.
Reloop’s Reimagining the Bottle Bill report informs stakeholders using data analysis on high-performing DRS design principles while also providing convening opportunities for education and constructive dialogue around DRS.
High-performance principles to modernize Deposit Return Systems
Key principals underpinning modern Deposit Return Systems in the United States.
- Easy & equitable
- 90% collection rate
- $0.10 minimum deposit
- Inclusive circular system
- Producer funded
- Fair pay for service providers
- Financial support for municipal recycling programs
- Clear system standards & functions
- Producer reporting on units sold
- Government oversight & enforcement
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High-performance principles to modernize Deposit Return Systems
Fact sheet introducing the key principals underpinning modern Deposit Return Systems in the United States.
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10 essential practices for a modern Bottle Bill
Related resources
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Preventing fraud in Deposit Return Systems
Factsheet providing an overview of how fraud can occur in DRS along with methods to help detect and mitigate it.
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A national beverage container program
Fact sheet on Implementing a national bottle bill and how it would have a significant impact.
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By the numbers: A national beverage container programme
Fact sheet presenting the economic, environmental and social impacts expected from a high performing national deposit programme.
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A national recycled content requirement
Fact sheet about implementing a minimum recycled content requirement for plastic beverage containers.
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Enabling refillables: Deposit Return Systems
Fact sheet introducing how Deposit Return Systems are a prerequisite for a successful refillable beverage container market.
The Northeast States at a glance
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Modernizing Connecticut’s Bottle Bill
Fact sheet on the state of Connecticut’s legislation on Deposit Return Systems and the potential for further reform.
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Modernizing Maine’s Bottle Bill
Fact sheet on the state of Maine’s legislation on Deposit Return Systems and the potential for further reform.
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Modernizing Massachusetts’ Bottle Bill
Fact sheet on the state of Massachusetts’ legislation on Deposit Return Systems and the potential for further reform.
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Modernizing New York’s Bottle Bill
Fact sheet on the state of New York’s legislation on Deposit Return Systems and the potential for further reform.
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Modernizing Vermont’s Bottle Bill
Fact sheet on the state of Vermont’s legislation on Deposit Return Systems and the potential for further reform.
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