As for Option C, we should take a look at the German 'Gruener Punkt' (Green Dot) system, which holds manufacturers responsible for the full life cycle of even their non-refundable containers. Many things also come in plastic or aluminum, and the deposit works the same way (from the consumer's perspective) as with refillables. So the consumer has options as well as an incentive to recycle, with the added bonus that a portion of the returned containers can be completely reused.
But wait, didn't we used to have something like that in America as well?
Laura Rewa - 15 years ago
Yes, because deposit/return containers generally GET returned, whereas recyclables don't necessarily get recycled. If the purchaser must make the deposit, they (or perhaps someone else) will return to collect the money. This breaks the habit of simply throwing all containers into the trash without thinking.
As for Option C, we should take a look at the German 'Gruener Punkt' (Green Dot) system, which holds manufacturers responsible for the full life cycle of even their non-refundable containers. Many things also come in plastic or aluminum, and the deposit works the same way (from the consumer's perspective) as with refillables. So the consumer has options as well as an incentive to recycle, with the added bonus that a portion of the returned containers can be completely reused.
But wait, didn't we used to have something like that in America as well?
Yes, because deposit/return containers generally GET returned, whereas recyclables don't necessarily get recycled. If the purchaser must make the deposit, they (or perhaps someone else) will return to collect the money. This breaks the habit of simply throwing all containers into the trash without thinking.