Deposits for smaller plastic bottles
The deposit system is the only system that has been estimated to realize the goal of reducing the number of plastics in residual waste by at least 70%. Other countries saw a reduction of their residual plastic waste by 70-90% as a result of implementing deposits. Most Dutch inhabitants already have the habit of returning the bigger water bottles to the supermarket. It will thus be easier to induce them to also return smaller bottles when they have a deposit as well. This financial incentive results in the bottle having a certain value for the customer, so it is less likely that the bottle is thrown away.
Not all sectors in the Dutch economy are advocates for an extension of the deposit system. This is why the discussion has been going on for 15 years now. Studies, however, point out that the benefits will earn up to the costs. The costs will mainly consist of the extra collection systems in supermarkets, which take up space and require an investment. Supermarkets do not want to be turned into collection points for huge amounts of plastic waste, because it will be complicated for them to organize it. On the other hand, many benefits can be pointed out. Deposits will lead to more efficient waste collection, fewer costs spend on cleaning the residual waste and for the supermarkets, the bottles that are not returned consist of extra revenue. Moreover, the extension of the deposit will be relatively easy to implement in the current system: the deposit can be kept around the same price and the majority of the consumers (80%) are positive about the measure.
In 2018, the government decided to give the business sector two years to reduce the plastic residual waste by at least 70%. Otherwise, a deposit for small plastic bottles will be implemented in 2021. This seems promising, but it could be history repeating itself. In 2002, the business sector already promised to reduce plastic waste by 80% in three years’ time. If they would not succeed, deposit fees would be implemented. Although the amount of plastic waste was not reduced by the specified percentage, the government did not keep its promise. However, the growing urgency of the waste problem requires firm legislation made by the government.
Improving waste separation and waste processing
The recycling of plastic waste can be improved in two ways: improving the separation of waste and improving the processing of waste. For the former, it is important to make it convenient for inhabitants to separate their waste. While most households have a separate bin or trash bag for their plastic waste, many public places lack recycling stations. In university canteens for example, students do not have any possibility to separate their waste: everything is thrown in general trash bins. Studies found that the implementation of recycling stations in university settings does encourage recycling behavior. Moreover, lower distances to recycling bins and (informational) messages on the bins have been shown to significantly enhance recycling.
To improve waste processing, more research has to focus on improving recycling processes. Improved machines will be better able to sort the waste, separating all the different kinds and colors of plastic, to create better recyclable materials that can be made into proper products again.