NWRA claims DRS scheme for aluminium cans may increase cost of household recycling programmes

The Illinois Chapter of the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA), located in Arlington, has testified in opposition to legislation that would establish a deposit-return system (DRS) for beverage containers like aluminium cans, bottles, etc in that state. The proposed State Beverage Container Recycling Refunds Act (Senate Bill 85) would create a container recycling redemption return programme, which the NWRA chapter claims would increase the cost of household recycling programmes.

According to the NWRA, the legislation is unlikely to be introduced during the spring 2023 legislative session. In the Prairie State, NWRA Illinois Chapter member John Pausma of Homewood, Illinois-based Homewood Disposal spoke on how, in his company's opinion, a bottle charge would raise the cost of home recycling programmes.

This happens when aluminium used beverage cans (UBCs) and PET plastic beverage bottles—two of the most expensive materials—are taken from the recycling bin, according to Pausma. The NWRA claims to represent the private sector trash and recycling services industry, with members operating in all 50 states.

“Studies have shown that bottle bills do not achieve the goals its supporters expect. We appreciate the opportunity to express our concerns to state legislators in Illinois,” said NWRA President and CEO Darrell Smith.

 “Recycling refund programs play a vital role in raising beverage container recycling rates, and this legislation would have a significant impact on improving Illinois’ environment and boosting its economy,” mentioned Scott Breen, that organization’s vice president of sustainability.

Earlier this month, NWRA testified in opposition to a planned extension of Vermont's bottle bill programme, claiming that it would disrupt recycling markets and raise curbside recycling prices for consumers and governments.

In that testimony, NWRA cited a report it prepared that found that, while DRS programmes result in significantly higher overall recovery, they also result in higher costs and lower revenues at material recovery facilities (MRFs) as high-value materials move to the deposit system and out of MRFs. According to NWRA's analysis, municipalities' MRF expenses might rise by $2.50 to $5 per family per year, depending on the DRS situation.