Single-use beverage containers make up 18% of all U.S. packaging, yet recycling rates remain stagnant at around 24%, prompting states to explore policies like Extended Producer Responsibility and Deposit Return Systems (Bottle Bills) to boost recycling and support a shift to reuse. This session explores how to design these policies for long-term success, with insights on ensuring deposit systems accommodate both recyclables AND reusable containers, findings from a California feasibility study on reuse integration, and strategies for embedding infrastructure and land use policies that support reuse into urban planning.
Moderator: Sarah Currie-Halpern, Co-Founder and Partner, Think Zero LLC
Speakers:
Elizabeth Balkan, Zero waste policy and reuse implementation specialist
Michael Wasserman, Senior Consultant, Eunomia
Clare Miflin, Executive Director, Center for Zero Waste Design