Information on Recycling Systems

The life-cycle of glass - from natural raw materials, to manufacturing, through closed loop reycling - sets the environmental standard for packaging. Glass is infinitely recyclable, and increasing its use in the glass container manufacturing is a top priority for GPI and its member companies.

Below is information, data and research on the effectiveness of container deposit ("bottle bill") recycling programs, and their ability to return recycled glass back to container end markets.

Global Deposit Book 2020 (Reloop,  2020) Overview of every deposit return system in the world including redemption rates, deposit values, materials covered, redemption model and financial flows.

Rewarding Recycling (TOMRA, 2021). Identifies the world’s highest performing deposit return systems and the 12 best practices that separate the leaders from the laggards.  The research is broken down into a white paper, webinar, intro booklet and 2 minute video.

 Deposit Return Factsheets (Reloop) – Reloop collects a long list of studies and articles on topics related to deposit systems including litter reduction, municipal impacts, job creation, and public polling.

Employment and Economic Impact of Container Deposits in New York (Eunomia, 2019) – Eunomia compares the economic value created by New York’s deposit system including jobs, tax revenue and more in today’s system vs. a modernized scenario.

Employment and Economic Impact of Container Deposits in Iowa (Eunomia, 2019) – Eunomia compares the economic value created by Iowa’s deposit system including jobs, tax revenue and more in today’s system vs. a modernized scenario.

Massachusetts Deposit Return System: Employment and Economic Impacts in the Commonwealth (Industrial Economics, 2016) – Commissioned by the Container Recycling Institute, Industrial Economics illustrates the economic value created by Massachusetts’ deposit system including jobs, tax revenue and more. Study Addendum (2018)

Container Redemption System Optimization Study: Full Report / Executive Summary, (Resource Recycling Systems, January 2014) - A stronger network of recycling depots and curbside collection programs will yield increased rates of recycling and material recovery of beverage containers, according to the major findings of a new study commissioned in part by the Glass Packaging Institute (GPI).

The study was designed to provide decision makers with information on the total costs for various beverage container redemption approaches. Resource Recycling Systems (RRS), a leading consulting firm in the solid waste and recycling fields, prepared the study.

Additional Background

Saving Our Resources - Since consumer recycling is key to returning high-quality recycled glass for use in new glass packaging, the Glass Packaging Institute conducted a survey in April 2013 to explore the differences related to geography, region, and demographics that have an impact on the willingness or ability of consumers to recycle.

Clear Solutions: Moving Towards Improved Glass Recovery (Full Report & Executive Summary) - Recognizing the growing importance of protecting the environment and conserving valuable energy resources, in December 2008, the Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) announced that its member companies were committed to achieving the goal of using at least 50% recycled glass in the manufacture of new glass bottles and jars by 2013. This report provides a comprehensive account of the robust efforts taken by the glass packaging industry to achieve this goal.