Deposit Return Systems: Advancing America’s Circular Economy

Exploring lessons from 2025 and what’s next for DRS, recycling and American remanufacturing 

Join the National Stewardship Action Council (NSAC) and Stewardship Action Foundation (SAF) for a national conversation on the future of deposit return systems (DRS). Moderated by Megan Quinn of Waste Dive, this cross-sector panel brings together leaders from the Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI), Glass Packaging Institute (GPI), Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR), and Carton Council to discuss where DRS stands today and where it’s headed. 

Panelists will share perspectives on recent state activity, system design, and the connection between DRS and domestic remanufacturing. Together we’ll explore how DRS can help close the loop and keep valuable materials circulating in the American economy. 

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What Participants Can Expect 

This discussion will reflect on key developments from 2025 and explore what’s next for deposit return systems in the U.S. Panelists will consider: 

• What surprised industry leaders most in 2025 and the lessons learned from emerging or expanding programs 

• How DRS influences collection, sorting, and remanufacturing for different materials 

• The role of system design and infrastructure improvements in boosting performance 

• How DRS can strengthen domestic markets by ensuring recovered materials are remade in America 

• Opportunities and tensions between stand-alone DRS models and integration with broader EPR frameworks 

• Policy and funding structures that balance performance and accountability 

• What trends and proposals may shape 2026 and 2027—and how industry, government, and nonprofits can align for greater impact 

Webinar Panelists 

• Kate Bailey, Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) 

• Scott DeFife, Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) 

• Samantha Kappalman, Carton Council 

• Mike Smaha, Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) 

• Moderator: Megan Quinn, Waste Dive 

Event Details

🗓 November 20, 2025 

🕚 11 am ET / 8 am PT 

📍 Virtual (via Zoom) 

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