Many individuals view recycling as a burdensome and ineffective task, especially when the tangible benefits to the environment are not readily apparent. However, what if you were informed that you could make money by recycling your bottles and cans?
Numerous European countries have implemented a recycling deposit system, known as the Deposit Return System (DRS), where consumers pay a small, refundable fee when purchasing drinks in single-use containers. This fee is returned when the empty container is brought back to a designated collection point. Currently, over 13 European countries have adopted this recycling deposit scheme, with more countries expected to follow suit as the European Union takes action against single-use plastic.
England and Northern Ireland are also set to introduce similar measures in October 2027 in alignment with this initiative.
To illustrate how this system works, a man in Amsterdam recorded himself recycling all his single-use beverage containers. In a TikTok video, he gathered the bottles from his residence into a large bag for transport to the recycling collection point.
Upon arriving at a supermarket, they located the collection point at the entrance, consisting of large machines mounted on the wall. A woman interacted with a touch screen on the wall before inserting the bottles into a slot on the wall one by one.
The bottles and cans were scanned as they passed through the wall to verify their eligibility for the deposit scheme. The scanning process also checked the items’ condition, as damaged items would not qualify for the refund.
The machine displayed the amount of money to be received as the items were processed. After completion, individuals could choose to donate the money to charity or receive a payout. In the video, the individuals opted for a payout, receiving a printed receipt worth €3 (£2.60).
The receipt could be used as a coupon in the store or exchanged for cash at kiosks inside the store. The introduction of this deposit scheme garnered various reactions online, with some expressing amazement and others raising inquiries.
One individual inquired about the fate of the returned bottles, prompting a response that they are recycled to make new bottles. Another person shared their long-standing practice of participating in such recycling efforts, highlighting Denmark’s commendable recycling initiatives.
