Researchers at Texas A&M University’s Mosbacher Institute are proposing a deposit refund system (DRS) for recyclable containers in Texas. This system, already in use in 10 other states, aims to boost recycling and reduce waste.
“We are importing trash that is completely unnecessary,” said Raymond Robertson, director of the Mosbacher Institute. He believes Texas could reduce litter in communities and create jobs by adopting a DRS similar to those in Iowa and Michigan.
The DRS concept involves charging a fee for containers, which is refunded when they are returned. The Texas Legislature is considering such a proposal.
Senate Bill 728 (Johnson) and House Bill 2048 (Lujan) proposes creating an incentive program to promote recycling by giving a cash rebate when recyclable containers are deposited at reverse vending machines at convenience or grocery stores.
According to Texans for Clean Water, the program could have many benefits for Texas.
“The free market incentives of this program are projected to increase recycling rates 6 times over and will reduce the overall consumption and plastic waste in our overflowing landfills with no tax increase at all.”
Kaleb Abreha, an assistant research scientist at the Mosbacher Institute, also emphasized the environmental and economic rationale behind this approach.
In 2021, only 5.2 billion out of 23.7 billion beverage containers sold in Texas were recycled. The state missed out on $372.6 million in scrap metal due to inefficient recycling methods. DRS programs have proven effective elsewhere, with higher recycling rates for plastic bottles and aluminum cans compared to non-deposit states.
Abreha noted that retailers play a crucial role in increasing returns by accepting them at their stores. Despite concerns about additional work for retailers, studies show that sales do not decrease with the introduction of deposits.
To implement a successful DRS program, researchers also recommended investing in public awareness campaigns, building infrastructure for drop-off points, setting high enough deposits to encourage returns, and establishing financial incentives for using domestically sourced recycled plastics.
Senate Bill 728 and House Bill 2048 have been referred to committee in their respective chambers but have not been scheduled for a hearing.