When it comes to Circular economy and effective recyclingthe Norway It is always mentioned as a virtuous example. His Deposit return system (Deposit Return Scheme, DRS) it is considered among the most effective in the world, with an average rate of return of the containers for drinks equal to 92.3% in 2023. An extraordinary result, the result of a well -designed, incentive and culturally rooted model.
Norway has started working on the return of the containers already in 1902with the introduction of reusable glass bottles. In the 70s he made a technological leap with the first reverse vending machines (RVM), which allow citizens to return bottles and cans in a comfortable and fast way. The current system was born in 1999 and is managed by Infinitum, a non -profit private company, controlled by producers and retailers.
How the Norwegian DRS works
Each consumer pays a small deposit when buying a drink: 2 NOK (about 0.20 euros) For containers up to 0.5 liters e 3 NOK (about 0.30 euros) for the larger ones. These amounts are returned when the empty container is reported in one of the beyond 15,000 collection pointsbetween manuals and automated. The system accepts Pet or HDPE bottles And Aluminum or steel cansall equipped with compliant labeling.
Infinitum manages the entire system, including 3,900 RVM in 3,500 locations, 35 logistics hubs and 5 treatment plants. But the real strength is the voluntary and massive participation of producers and consumers. The companies they pay an environmental fee that is reduced to growing the return rate of their containers: if they reach 95%, they are exempt. An economic motivation that translates into concrete action.
The system provides Bonus for retailers which use compacting RVMs (which crush the bottles, reducing logistical costs), voluntary donations of the deposit to beneficial entities and even Premium draws. Initiatives that stimulate citizens to participate with enthusiasm. Not surprisingly, Over 92% of the Norwegians He declares to have confidence in the DRS and to be motivated to recycle by civic and environmental sense.
Already environmental impacts
In 2023, more than more than 1.54 billion containersequal to 13,000 tons of aluminum And 21,000 tons of plastic mechanically recycled. Only 1% of the containers escapes recycling and most of the waste beached on the Norwegian coasts come from other countries. In practice, the Norwegians not only recycle, but are indignant if a new bottle is not in the DRS circuit.
While not being part of the European Union, Norway already has achieved the objectives of the EU directive on disposable plasticwhich provides for a 90% collection by 2029. With solid infrastructures, effective incentives and a strong civic sense, the Norwegian DRS shows how sustainability can become an integral part of everyday life. A model that could (and should) inspire many other European countries.
