The latest edition of our flagship report, Global Deposit Book 2024 provides a comprehensive overview of deposit return systems (DRS) worldwide.
Since the first edition in 2016, the report has expanded significantly, reflecting the growing global momentum behind deposit systems as a cornerstone of modern waste management and circular economy policy.
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Global Deposit Book 2024
Comprehensive summary of deposit return systems for single-use beverage containers.
Key findings from the 2024 Global Deposit Book
As of January 2025, nearly 357 million people globally will live in jurisdictions with deposit return systems. By the end of 2027, it is projected that more than 70 jurisdictions – covering approximately 641 million people – will have operational programmes for single-use beverage containers.
Rapid global deposit return expansion
Since the first report, the number of jurisdictions with deposit return systems has grown from 38 to 57. This edition highlights new systems in Austria, Romania, Hungary, the Republic of Ireland, and Victoria (Australia), with upcoming launches planned in Poland, Tasmania (Australia), Türkiye, and Goa (India), among others.
Over the next few years, deposit systems are also expected to be introduced in the Czech Republic, Greece, Spain, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Uruguay, and Singapore.
Europe remains the global leader in deposit systems
Europe boasts an average beverage container return rate of 87%, compared to 69% in North America and 60% in Australia. Europe’s success is attributed to its widespread adoption of the return-to-retail (R2R) model, which achieves a median return rate of 84%.
By comparison, return-to-depot/redemption centre or hybrid models achieve a median return rate of just 70%.
Modernisations in North America and Australia
Several deposit systems in the United States (e.g., Connecticut, California), Canada (e.g., Quebec, New Brunswick), and Australia (e.g., Queensland) have undergone significant modernisation efforts in recent years, making them more effective and adaptable to current environmental and economic needs.
These updates include increasing deposit values, expanding the scope of containers covered, and improving system infrastructure to enhance accessibility and efficiency.
Higher deposit values result in higher return rates
Jurisdictions with minimum deposits below USD $0.07 achieve a median return rate of 69%, while the median return rate in jurisdictions with deposits of USD$0.15 or higher is 92%.
“Governments worldwide are turning to deposit return systems as a fast, impactful solution to the waste and climate crises due to their unmatched ability to recover 90% of beverage containers for closed-loop recycling.
The Global Deposit Book 2024 highlights opportunities to expand and improve deposit systems worldwide.”
Clarissa Morawski
Chief Executive Officer
About ClarissaWorking with governments, industry and not-for-profits, Clarissa brings nearly 30 years of technical, analytical and communications experience in waste reduction policies and operations. In 1998, she started CM Consulting (cmconsultinginc.com), whose published reports have been embraced as essential resources for professionals in industry and the recycling sector.
In 2015, Clarissa moved with her family from Canada to Europe, where she co-founded the Reloop Platform. As CEO, Clarissa works with stakeholders and partners to develop smart, practical and effective policy frameworks and operational recommendations. Clarissa uses science and her no-nonsense communication skills to make the case for ambitious policy.
Watch our explainer video
A dual-action approach delivering critical benefits for the climate, the environment and for business – adopted by the EU and recommended globally.
Drawing on data from 210 countries to examine trends in sales, collection and wastage of drinks containers.
Reloop’s work on the UN’s global plastics treaty to reduce plastic pollution.
Reloop Programme 3
Money Back
The Global Deposit Book is in line with Reloop’s programme for packaging subject to deposits or charges.