Not so simple
Though DRSs sound like a good idea, they’re not always as straightforward and beneficial as they first appear, according to Jane Bickerstaffe, who says they only work in the right circumstances
This article was taken from Issue 71Putting a deposit on a pack appears to be a simple way to encourage it to be returned for reuse, refilling or recycling. But like many other things, it’s not as simple as it seems. Deposits can work in the right circumstances. Unseen by most of us, deposits are often charged on reusable delivery crates and pallets used to ship goods to wholesale and retail outlets. Companies are not opposed to deposits in principle. They are opposed to them being applied in circumstances where they will undermine existing recycling systems, increase environmental impact and increase costs to consumers.
