Potential Effects of a National Mandatory Deposit on Beverage Containers

A national mandatory deposit law has been proposed as part of a potential solution to solid waste disposal and materials recycling problems of the Nation. Solid waste generation has doubled since 1950, collection and disposal costs have risen rapidly, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to find acceptable means and locations for disposal of solid waste. Analysis indicates that with mandatory deposits there would be approximately an 80 percent reduction in beverage container litter. The number of empty containers returned to retail stores, wholesalers, breweries, and bottlers would increase roughly fourfold. If the industry does not shift to greater use of refillable bottles, industry costs would rise because containers designed for one use would have to be handled, transported, and made available for recycling or disposal. However, net costs to industry would probably go down with mandatory deposits. In addition, a mandatory deposit system would probably reduce energy and raw material use in the industry.