Watch the Recording: Deposit Return Systems and America’s Circular Economy

Watch the Replay from the November 20 Webinar moderated by Waste Dive and featuring the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR), Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI), and Glass Packaging Institute (GPI)

Interest in Deposit Return Systems (DRS) continues to grow nationwide. Nearly 250 people from state and local governments to recyclers, brands, haulers, NGOs, and manufacturers registered for our November 20 webinar exploring how DRS is shaping recycling, remanufacturing, and domestic supply chains across the United States.

If you missed it or want to watch the replay, the full recording is now available below.

The National Stewardship Action Council and Stewardship Action Foundation were fortunate to be joined by a panel of leaders helping shape national conversations and on-the-ground implementation:

• Kate Bailey, Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR)

• Scott DeFife, Glass Packaging Institute (GPI)

• Mike Smaha, Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI)

• Moderator: Megan Quinn, Waste Dive
  

Together, they unpacked some of the most persistent myths still circulating around DRS, including:

• “Green or broken glass can’t be recycled”

• “MRFs will go out of business”

• “DRS is a burden to consumers”
  

The discussion highlighted what modern programs are actually delivering: stronger material quality, more reliable feedstock for U.S. manufacturers, reduced contamination, expanded jobs, and better transparency across the system.

Additional topics included:

• What surprised industry and government leaders most in 2025

• Lessons emerging from states that are expanding or modernizing DRS

• How DRS supports improvements in sorting, processing, and remanufacturing

• The role of program design and infrastructure in strengthening domestic supply chains

Continue the Conversation: Join Our National Recycling Refunds Working Group

This webinar builds on the work of NSAC and SAF's National Recycling Refunds Working Group, which brings together public, private, and nonprofit leaders who are shaping the future of DRS and recycling refund programs across the U.S.

Each meeting covers:

• Current and emerging refund bills

• Insights from active and newly launched programs

• Best practices for redemption, logistics, sorting, and end-market development

• Trends in recycled content procurement and domestic manufacturing demand

Organizations across the value chain are welcome.

Learn more or request an invitation: heath@nsaction.us

Support Domestic Recycling Markets: Sign the ReMade in America Pledge

As we strengthen refund systems and improve material recovery, we also need strong domestic demand for recycled materials. That’s why NSAC launched the ReMade in America Pledge, calling on companies, governments, and organizations to prioritize U.S.-sourced recycled content, supporting local jobs, cleaner manufacturing, and resilient supply chains.

If you care about ensuring that the materials collected through DRS and community recycling programs stay here and strengthen American industry, we invite you to take the pledge.

Sign the ReMade in America Pledge: https://www.nsaction.us/remade

Sign the Pledge