GPI responds to study on arguments against Bottle Return Programs

Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) President Scott DeFife released a statement addressing a recent report from the Container Recycling Institute (CRI) showing no evidence that deposit return system (DRS) programs — a.k.a. bottle returns — adversely affect beverage sales.

“This study from our friends at CRI and Reloop provides more evidence of what we already knew: the arguments that deposit return programs negatively impact beverage sales over time are without merit,” said DeFife. “There is ample proof that we need more bottle return programs, not fewer. It is in states’ and communities’ clear and vital interest to pass DRS legislation, especially those legislatures that are also considering extended producer responsibility programs for packaging. Curbside pick-up will remain a recycling staple, but must remain supported by proven recycling programs that create higher volumes of cleaner streams of recyclable material.

“DRS reduces packaging waste, is a viable option to create cleaner recycling streams, and provides a greater volume of recyclable material that will be returned across manufacturing supply chains. Whenever possible, towns, cities and states should continue to augment curbside pick-up with strong bottle deposit return systems.”

The report, published in July 2023 by the CRI, is “Evidence From New Study Debunks Myth That Deposit Return Systems (DRS) Cause Declines in Beverage Sales.”