Redemption is a podcast dedicated to exploring A Guide to Modern Deposit Return Systems: 10 Essential Practices. The series is produced by Reloop North America with its Director, Elizabeth Balkan, serving as our host.
In each episode of Redemption, we dive deep into one of the essential practices and hear how they’re being used together by states and countries to build, run, and maintain an effective deposit return system to address the massive problem of beverage container waste.
Our guests include policymakers, advocates, and system operators, all seeking the best public policy solutions to change the reality that every minute worldwide 2.5 million beverage containers are being burned, buried or littered.
We hear from pioneers forging the exciting path to effective post-consumer material recovery and reuse. The Guide to Modern Deposit Return Systems will serve as our roadmap, our reference, and our inspiration on this journey.
Redemption Podcast episodes
- In this episode of Redemption, we take a deep dive into an innovative and community-centered approach to advancing the global reuse movement. Alejandra Warren, co-founder of Plastic Free Future, talks to us, bringing her wealth of experience and insight as an environmental advocate, dedicated to building and promoting accessible, sustainable […]
- In this episode of Redemption, we revisit the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and dive deeper into the role that reuse could play in transforming how we manage waste and packaging. While the PPWR sets ambitious goals for recycling and reducing single-use packaging, we explore how reuse systems […]
- In this episode of Redemption, we explore the often-overlooked but essential practice of reuse. Although reuse ranks higher than recycling in the waste hierarchy, it is frequently left out of discussions about large-scale solutions to the plastics crisis and landfill overflow. Our global guests—advocates and pioneers—share insights on how reuse […]
- In the latest episode of Redemption we dive into the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP), led by the World Economic Forum. Our guest, Clemence Schmid, Director of GPAP, shares how this initiative is tackling the global plastic waste crisis through National Plastic Action Plans (NPAPs) across 17 countries. Discover the […]
- In the latest episode of Redemption, we delve into Europe’s ambitious Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), a groundbreaking legislation aimed at reducing packaging waste, promoting a circular economy, and harmonizing internal market rules. Adopted by the European Parliament in April 2023, this regulation is set to transform waste management […]
- This special episode of Redemption features a roundtable discussion with experts from CalRecycle – Clara Vazeix, Mindy McIntyre, and Krystal Acierto. Discover how California is leading the way towards a circular economy through a comprehensive approach that emphasizes industry partnerships and standardized definitions. Elizabeth Balkan and the CalRecycle team delve […]
- The new season of Redemption brings you a special live recording from the 4th Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) meeting in Ottawa, in April 2024. Tune in to understand the stakes at INC-4 and what it means for the global fight against plastic pollution. Featuring insightful discussions with Taylor Cass Talbott […]
- Join us on a new chapter of "Redemption," as we delve deeper into resource recovery and circular material management, exploring their environmental and social ramifications. Each month, we will bring you a curated selection of content on a wide array of environmental and social topics, keeping you informed about global […]
- In the 14th episode of Redemption, we delve into one final facet of A Guide to Modern Deposit Return Systems: 10 Essential Practices – Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Explore how EPR and DRS can complement each other to enhance packaging recovery and recycling rates. Featuring insights from industry experts Mike […]
- Episode 13 of Redemption, delves into the intersection of modern deposit return systems (DRS) and existing curbside recycling programs, focusing on their impact on material recovery facilities (MRFs). We discuss how well-designed DRSs can complement MRF operations, mitigate revenue loss, and improve material recovery. Through insights from industry experts Lynn […]
- In the twelfth episode of Redemption, we dive into the link between deposit return systems (DRS) and reuse initiatives. With single-use packaging dominating modern consumption, the resurgence of reusable packaging offers promising solutions to combat plastic waste. Our exploration highlights the pivotal role of DRS in facilitating the transition to […]
- For the final essential practice from A Guide to Modern DRS, Elizabeth and Clarissa Morawski (Reloop CEO & Co-Founder) dig into the management of material flow and financial data. This practice centers on the clearing process in which beverage containers registered upon entering the market are matched with the units […]
- In our 10th episode, we investigate Material Processing and Service Fees — essential Practice #9. Material processing should be optimized to reduce costs and environmental impact. Establishing fees for collectors and logistics providers can also ensure that their recycling services benefit from economies of scale. Clarissa Morawski (Reloop CEO, and […]
- Optimized Logistics — Practice # 8 —ensure uniform and fair procedures for those handling beverage containers, emphasizing the compaction of containers to reduce road traffic and travel time. They also encourage operators to reduce carbon emissions by using fuel-efficient or alternative fuel vehicles. Alexis Eisenberg (Reloop's Director for France and Francophonie) […]
- Practice #7 — Infrastructure for Large-Volume Returns — is about making collection points efficient, user-friendly, clean, and tailored for bulk returns. Quebec and New York offer important lessons about infrastructure design — especially when it comes to managing bulk returns and accommodating diverse user needs.Joining Elizabeth in this discussion are […]
- Returning bottles should be easy and equitable for consumers, as well as efficient and beneficial for retailers. This is where Practice #6, Collection, comes into play. Standardizing the collection process is essential to encourage participation in Deposit Return Systems. Our featured guests, Normand Bisson (President and CEO of the Quebec […]
- For consumers to redeem their recyclable bottles and get back their deposits, those bottles have to be recognizable during the collection process. Practice 5: Design, Marking, and Registration for Containers focuses on standards to optimize recovery and enhance recyclability. Hear from 4 expert guests — Lynn Hoffman (Eureka Recycling and […]
- Oversight and Enforcement (Practice #4) by state agencies incentivize producers to meet performance targets. They’re also key to striking a balance between private sector efficiency and innovation on one hand and optimized social and environmental outcomes on the other. Ryan Castalia (Executive Director of Sure We Can), offers eye-opening insights […]
- To measure DRS progress, data is crucial. Pactice #3 focuses on the importance of compliance and official reporting by producers to give legislators a clear sense of return rates, materials in circulation, and areas for improvement. Our guests, including in-house experts Clarissa Morawski (CEO, and Co-founder, Reloop) and returning guest Alexis […]
- Redeeming bottles should be easy, accessible, and equitable to encourage participation. In Episode 3, we explore Practice #2 for modernizing DRS: Point-of-Return. Henriette Schneider (CEO of Re Consult), shares Germany's model for consumers and retailers to participate in the country’s exemplary DRS program. Mike Noel (Director of Public Affairs, North […]
Related resources
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A Guide to Modern Deposit Return Systems: 10 Essential Practices
10 key requirements for successful implementation of a DRS to serve as a roadmap for policymakers, advocates, and producers seeking the best public policy solutions.
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A Guide to Modern Deposit Return Systems: 10 Essential Practices Executive Summary
Short summary of the 10 key requirements for successful implementation of a DRS to serve as a roadmap for policymakers, advocates, and producers seeking the best public policy solutions.
