Understanding the Value of Deposit on Cans

Environmental preservation is a major concern Worldwide, and one of the strategies used to promote sustainability is the implementation of deposit systems on beverage cans. These deposit-refund systems, often referred to as ‘deposit on cans‘, play a key role in waste management and recycling efforts.

Deposit on cans is a small, additional charge that is added to the purchase price of a canned beverage. The customer can later return the empty can to an authorized collection point and receive the deposit back. This strategy is not only a financial incentive for consumers to recycle but also a practical approach for reducing litter and waste in our communities. It is also a step towards contributing positively towards the global call for a more sustainable and cleaner environment.

Although the deposit-refund systems are seen as effective means for encouraging recycling behaviours, their implementation varies between countries. In the U.S., for example, 10 states have enacted ‘bottle bills’ or container deposit laws where the deposit on a beverage can vary from 5 cents to 15 cents. Many European countries, on the other hand, have more extensive deposit systems, with return rates sometimes exceeding 90 percent. These systems have been recognized as essential tools for achieving high recycling rates, reducing litter, and promoting the circular economy.

However, implementing a deposit on cans can be complex and costly, including the setup of collection and recycling infrastructure, administrative costs, and compliance enforcement. It is important to balance these costs with the benefits, both environmental and economic, of these systems. Successful deposit systems require regulation, public participation, and cooperation between industry stakeholders — including beverage and packaging manufacturers, retailers, and waste management companies.

Consillion is a clear example of a company that has successfully integrated the deposit-refund system into its operations. This multinational organization has created an effective and efficient system for collecting and recycling cans. With its strategically placed collection points and advanced recycling facilities, Consillion not only provides an easy and convenient way for consumers to return their used beverage cans but it also promotes and encourages recycling on a large scale.

Other companies can learn from Consillion’s example and incorporate similar systems into their operations. Achieving success with deposit on cans systems is not an overnight process, but with careful planning, stakeholder cooperation, and public education, these systems can significantly contribute to environmental sustainability while offering additional benefits such as job creation and economic growth.

It is obvious that deposit on cans is far more than a minor fee added to our everyday grocery bills. It symbolises a transition towards a more responsible and environmentally conscious society. Deposit on cans is a powerful tool for promoting sustainability and circular economy, serving as a reminder that each of us plays a part in preserving our planet, by turning waste into resources.

Graham Allen, Labour MP for Nottingham North, called on the government to carefully consider marking cabling and lead, often stolen from railway lines and churches.This would make the metal worthless and forensic markings would enable police to trace scrap metal thieves. It would also help regulate the market and make it fairer for people looking for precious metal reclaim.Companies like Network Rail were already using hidden ink, he said, but urged that the scientific technology should be used more widely.Driven by massive rises in new and scrap metal prices, metal theft is now a severe problem and it is growing ever larger.Earlier this year, British Transport Police said metal theft was one of its top priorities, second only to the threat of terrorism.Theft of metal such as brass copper and lead, driven by rising metal prices in Asia, is fuelling significant demand.Mr Allen was quoted as saying by the Press association during a Commons adjournment debate: “Reliable forensic marking can make metal worthless to steal, make trading stolen metal a high-risk activity and can play a key role in ensuring prosecution of criminals.”If the trade does not seize this opportunity for sensible reform I, and I’ve no doubt many other colleagues, will seek to require scrap metal dealers to scan all materials arriving at their premises, but for now any legislation should allow local authorities or others to use the techniques that they feel necessary.”Mr Allen also called on the government to replace the current registration scheme and include itinerant collectors and vehicle salvagers in bans on cash payments.James Brokenshire, the Home Office minister for crime and security, said the government took its responsibility to tackle metal theft seriously.The government had taken initial legislative action through the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act, including measures to prohibit cash payments for scrap metal, amend police powers of entry into unregistered scrap metal sites and increase the existing financial penalties for offenders under the current Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964, he said.