Deposit Return Scheme vs Curb side Recycling: Comparing levels of recycling effectiveness!

The world is drowning in waste. The throw-away culture adopted has created endless waste piles of raw materials like plastic, glass, and metal, subsequently threatening the environment. Whilst prevention or reuse are the most preferable options for materials, recycling is another avenger that makes a big difference to the challenge. Traditionally, this has taken place through regular curb side collections, however, we now have a new hero, Deposit Return Schemes (DRS)!

Whilst both are efficient methods to facilitate recycling, this article will dive into the match of Deposit Return Scheme vs Curb side Recycling, exploring the benefits for each and opportunities that can improve existing methods and advance efforts.

The waste crisis and the significance of recycling

Every year, the world generates a staggering amount of waste. However, the 2022 data from England’s household waste challenges this perception, with a decrease of 7.8% from 2021, the lowest volume recorded since 2010.

Whilst this offers a glimpse of hope, the staggering statistic came from Gov.uk’s 2022 recycling rates, where the volume of waste from households sent to recycling decreased by 0.8% from the previous year. Whilst there is the argument that more may be being done to prevent and reuse materials, this alarming statistic highlights that more routes to recycling should be explored in England.

Let’s compare; Deposit Return Scheme vs Curb side recycling

Deposit Return Scheme (DRS)

This is a typical scheme found in many countries, especially in Europe, that involves paying a small deposit on a drinks container. When done, the public will return the empty plastic/glass bottle or aluminium can to a designated location or Reverse Vending Machine and receive their deposit back. The aim is to incentivise the recycling process for consumers.

Curb side Recycling

This familiar system will be the one that residents across the UK are most aware of and one they partake in every day. This involves sorting recyclable materials such as plastic bottles, paper, cardboard – into designated bins or bags and placing them at the curb for collection by the local recycling lorry.

Now, let’s explore deeper into each system, exploring advantages and opportunities to evolve them further.

Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) under the microscope

The Allure of DRS: Advantages and benefits

DRS is a simple and effective method that offers a compelling solution to recycling, arriving with several advantages:

Recycling rates on rocket fuel

Studies across Europe show that a DRS can significantly increase recycling rates for targeted materials, especially in countries like Sweden and Denmark that are real trailblazers. Sweden, for example, reportedly captures 85% of all targeted materials and is aiming for an ambitious 50% in single-use plastics by 2024. This dramatic rise is attributed to the financial incentive and the ease of returning containers.

By implementing a successful DRS, consumers are also seeming more likely to return clean containers because contamination will disqualify poor materials from deposit redemption. This leads to higher-quality recycled materials being collected, making them more valuable for remanufacture.

People are also less likely to throw away a container with a redeemable deposit, leading to cleaner streets and a healthier planet all round.

Chinks in the armour: Opportunities and considerations

Whilst implementing a DRS offers various benefit; there is always room for improvement.

Cost considerations

Setting up a DRS requires significant investment in infrastructure for collection, sorting, and administration. However, with the introduction of a reverse vending machine, it can help businesses meet obligations of a DRS more efficiently and effectively, whilst improving their overall sustainability efforts.

Challenges with specific materials

Unfortunately, not all materials are easily integrated into a DRS at present. Glass, for example, can be heavier and more fragile, which means it requires more additional considerations for handling and storage. Some reverse vending machines will accept glass, but not all models will, so it’s crucial to consider the volume and type of waste before ordering.

Determining the best deposit value

Setting the right deposit amount in a scheme is crucial. A deposit too low might not incentivise people enough to return containers, whilst a high deposit could discourage purchases of beverage containers altogether. There needs to be a sweet spot found for both facilitators and consumers.

Curb side Recycling: The first avenger!

Curb side recycling is a day-to-day system that’s deeply ingrained in our daily routines. Let’s explore how it works and the strengths.

How curb side recycling works

Curb side recycling is the everyday management of household waste – the sorting of recyclables in homes based on local guidelines. Typically, this includes separating materials such as paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and metal cans into designated bins or bags. Once sorted, containers are placed at the end of properties (curb side) on designated collection days for pickup by a local recycling truck.

The strengths of curb side recycling

Curb side recycling, whilst not without its limitations, offers several advantages to help increase recycling rates:

Recycling made accessible

Curb side recycling offers simple and effective convenience for residents. Simply sorting recyclables at home and place them at the curb for collection to be recycled.

Infrastructure already in place

Most countries are equipped with successful curb side recycling already, meaning existing infrastructure for collection and transportation has already been sorted, making it a cost-effective solution for many communities.

Potential for higher recycling rates

With clear educational campaigns and well-designed recycling programs, curb side recycling has the potential to significantly increase recycling rates when done correctly.

Addressing the challenges: disadvantages and considerations

Whilst this is a convenient and accessible method, curb side recycling has some challenges:

Contamination conundrums

Contamination can regularly occur and be hard to manage. Whilst the introduction of digital waste tracking should improve this, materials like food waste or non-recyclable materials are significantly impacting the recycling process and require better policing. Educating residents on the importance and significance of proper sorting is crucial to improving overall recycling rates.

Inconsistency across regions

Recycling regulations can vary greatly between regions. This inconsistency can be confusing for residents and limit the effectiveness of curb side programs. A recent example is the Welsh Waste Legislation, where increased segregation has been rolled out to Wales before England. Whilst England will be looking to introduce ‘Simpler Recycling’, it’s important a consistent approach is taken to help educate the public.

Limited material scope

Curb side recycling schemes often focuses on a limited range of materials, leaving out items like electronics or certain plastics. Whilst plans are in place to improve this, some already live in Wales, it’s important this is introduced efficiently and correctly.

The final verdict: DRS vs Curb side Recycling

There’s no single winner in the DRS vs curb side recycling battle. The ideal system depends on your community’s specific needs and infrastructure. Here are some considerations before exploring a DRS implementation:

Consider local needs and infrastructure

If the community already has a well-established curb side recycling programs, it might be more cost-effective to improve that system and increase segregation.

Whilst the types of waste a community generates will influence the effectiveness of each system, it may be that a DRS might be a better fit for high footfall areas with high beverage container waste.

Participation is key

Regardless, participation and correct attitudes are crucial for any recycling program and fundamental to make them work. Understanding public attitudes towards sorting and convenience can help determine the best approach.

Explore a combination

In most cases, the best solution is a combination of both systems. Rather than seeing it as Deposit Return Scheme vs Curb side Recycling, we should explore combinations of both. A well-designed DRS can complement an existing curb side program, capturing specific materials like beverage containers with high recycling opportunities, whilst curb side recycling tackles other recyclables.

EcoVend is here to help

If your business operates in a community where a Deposit Return Scheme is live and you would like assistance in improving your participation, please contact EcoVend to discuss Reverse Vending Machine opportunities.