What is a Deposit Return System?

A Deposit Return System (DRS), also called a Deposit Return Scheme or Deposit Refund System in some markets, is a policy mechanism designed to increase the collection and recycling of beverage containers. Consumers pay a small deposit when purchasing a drink in an eligible container. When they return the empty container to an approved return point, they get the deposit back in full. The deposit creates a direct financial incentive to return containers rather than discard them, which is why DRS schemes consistently achieve very high collection rates.