Deposits on beverage containers, tires, and vehicle batteries are in place in many states. This approach requires retailers, wholesalers, or manufacturers to accept products or packages after their useful life is over. Customers have an economic incentive to take the products or packages back. Deposit systems can be implemented at the local level too.

In 1977, Columbia, Missouri, became the first and only local U.S. jurisdiction to implement a citywide deposit system for beverage containers. Beer, mineral water, soda water, and carbonated soft drink containers are covered. The bill has survived at least three attempts at repeal. Of the deposit containers generated in the city, an estimated 85% are returned for the 5¢ deposit.(15)

For More Information: Columbia, MO Beverage Container Law For a copy of Columbia’s law, see Section II-60A Article III Beverage Containers, Ch. 11 Health and Sanitation, Columbia Code of Ordinances, available on the Web at: http://www.ci.columbia.mo.us. Container Recycling Institute For information on beverage deposit laws, go to CRI’s Web site.

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Facts to Act On #40, Local Initiatives Leverage Extended Producer Responsibility (November 20, 2000)
Institute for Local Self-Reliance