A global review of waste and pollution data has revealed that countries with deposit return schemes (DRS) see significantly less drinks container litter on their beaches. According to circular economy organization Reloop, nations that have adopted these systems report, on average, a 54% reduction in beverage container waste in coastal areas.
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Drastic Cut in Plastic Bottle Pollution
Reloop’s report, titled Littered with Evidence, compiled data from over 80 countries. One of the most striking findings; plastic drink bottle litter is 63 % lower in countries that operate a DRS compared to those that don’t. The data was largely sourced from the International Coastal Cleanup events in 2021 and 2024, organized by Ocean Conservancy.
Strategic Timing Ahead of UN Conference
The release of the report comes just before the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, highlighting the urgency of addressing marine pollution. In the UK, preparations are underway for a national DRS to roll out in October 2027. The organization managing this rollout has already been appointed, indicating serious commitment at the national level.
Evidence Across Materials and Regions
Beyond plastic, countries with DRS also showed significant decreases in other types of beverage containers. Cans and glass bottles were found 40 % and 41 % less frequently, respectively, in coastal litter. Reloop analyzed trends before and after implementation in various regions, including Western Australia, Oregon in the US, and Estonia. These areas recorded reductions of more than 80 % in the littering of containers covered by the schemes.
Ireland’s Early Success Story
In the Republic of Ireland, which introduced its DRS in February 2024, early data already indicates notable progress. By June of the same year, national surveys reported a 30 % fall in can litter and a 20 % fall in plastic bottle litter. An annual coastal survey by Coastwatch Ireland supported this trend, noting the lowest number of beverage containers found in over two decades.
European Contrast
The difference between European countries with and without a DRS is also clear. Reloop’s data shows that plastic bottles make up just 0.5 % of total litter in countries with DRS programs, compared to 3.2 % in those without, with this sharp contrast further reinforcing the scheme’s effectiveness.
Conclusion
The data clearly shows that Deposit Return Schemes significantly reduce beverage container pollution, especially on coastlines. With nations preparing for global discussions on ocean conservation, Reloop’s findings provide compelling evidence that DRS is a practical and proven tool to cut litter at the source. As more countries consider adopting or expanding these systems, the potential for cleaner beaches becomes an increasingly achievable goal.
