The Deposit Refund Scheme (DRS) is a waste‑management mechanism that incentivises consumers to return used containers. This system is based on the implementation of a monetary deposit that the consumer pays when purchasing a packaged product and which is reimbursed when the empty container is returned to a designated collection point.
The DRS aligns with the principles of the circular economy, promoting the reuse and recycling of materials. By encouraging the return of containers, it reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills or in the environment. In addition, this system fosters shared responsibility among producers, distributors and consumers.
The implementation of DRS has proven effective in several European countries, where it has contributed to increasing recycling rates and reducing pollution. In Spain, Law 7/2022 establishes the obligation to introduce a DRS within a period of two years for single‑use plastic beverage bottles up to 3 litres, as the selective‑collection targets set for 2023 for this type of waste were not met.
DRSs are potentially an effective policy tool to improve selective‑collection results for packaging and other waste. At ENT we have developed various projects, including feasibility studies analysing the technical and economic aspects of implementing such a system at regional and national scales, as well as practical pilot tests at the local level. We have extensive knowledge and expertise regarding the technical requirements (logistics, return machines, institutional organisation, etc.) and economic aspects (costs and revenues, incentive effects, etc.) associated with implementing this system.
