The “throwaway” era is coming to an end in many parts of the world, and the United States could follow this trend in 2026. Inspired by effective recycling systems in other countries, a novel but familiar idea is emerging: the return of certain containers as a collective way of combating plastic pollution. In this new phase, American consumers could begin to see plastic containers not only as waste, but as reusable resources that generate economic incentives when returned to shops and supermarkets.
The objective? To drastically reduce the accumulation of plastics in landfills, rivers and oceans, and to encourage active recycling among all citizens. Although the measure seems novel, in reality it is reminiscent of practices that were common in the past, when it was customary to return glass bottles to stores. Now, with a modern twist, a new system known as deposit, return and return (SDDR) is being introduced, promising to change the way we handle our waste.
A model successfully tested in Europe
While many cities in the United States continue to push initiatives such as traditional recycling systems and awareness campaigns, this idea is not new elsewhere. Countries such as Germany, Norway and Sweden have been using similar systems for years with surprising results: recycling rates of over 90% and a notable reduction in plastic waste in public spaces. In comparison, the United States still faces significant challenges with its mass production of single-use plastics, many of which end up in landfills or in the environment.
The European system is simple: when buying certain products, consumers pay a small deposit, which they can then recover when returning the container to collection points located in shops and supermarkets. This dynamic not only encourages recycling, but also has a direct positive impact on consumers’ pockets, making recycling an economically incentivized practice.
How would it work in the United States?
Looking ahead to 2026, the packaging that would be part of the program would mainly include plastic water bottles and soft drink bottles of less than three liters, as well as beer and juice cans. This waste represents a significant percentage of the country’s plastic pollution, making it a priority within this initiative. The idea is to prevent this packaging from ending up in public spaces, rivers and seas, and to recover it for reuse or recycling.
However, not all packaging will initially be included in the system. Materials such as milk cartons and wine bottles, as well as oil bottles and glass containers, will be left out. Although this means that the measure will not cover all plastic waste from the outset, it represents a major step forward in the fight for a circular economy.
Challenges and necessary adaptations
Despite the clear environmental and economic benefits, the implementation of this system is not without its challenges. On the one hand, consumers will have to change deeply rooted habits in terms of waste management. The current model of recycling based on containers (such as blue or green) is practical and relatively simple, but the new system will require an additional step: temporarily storing the containers at home and physically taking them to shops or collection centers. For many, this change may seem inconvenient or confusing in the early months.
In addition, points of sale, especially small businesses, will face logistical challenges as they will need to set aside space and establish methods to manage the arrival of large quantities of containers. In Europe, retail companies have installed specialized machines that facilitate the process, such as those that scan the containers and issue discount vouchers or cash rewards. Although it is a practical solution, its implementation in the United States would require significant investment. On the other hand, this could open up new technological and job opportunities in the recycling sector.
For beverage manufacturers, this change will also require adjustments. Companies may need to redesign their products to make them easier to recycle or reuse. Some brands have already started to invest in reusable packaging or bottles made from 100% recycled materials, trends that could accelerate with the implementation of this system.
A call to collective action
The success of this initiative will depend to a large extent on the level of public awareness. If people see recycling not only as an environmental responsibility, but also as an opportunity to contribute directly to change — and at the same time recover part of the money invested in the products — the system could have a transformative impact. But to achieve this, educational campaigns will need to be developed at state and national level, reinforcing the importance of the measure and explaining how it works in a clear and accessible way.
In the political and business spheres, leaders will need to work together to overcome cultural and logistical barriers, promoting a collaborative approach. One possible solution would be to initiate pilot phases in certain regions before expanding the model nationally, allowing for the identification of errors and the optimization of processes.
The future of recycling?
The introduction of the deposit, return and refund system in the United States would mean a breakthrough in the fight to reduce plastic waste and move towards a more sustainable economy. If implemented effectively, it could mark the end of the “use and throw away” culture, building a future where packaging is seen not only as trash, but as a valuable resource that deserves a second life. Although the road will be full of challenges, the example of other countries shows that the benefits far outweigh the costs, both for the environment and for those actively participating in the change.
