Researching a Deposit Return System for South Africa

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Study Report on Researching a Deposit Return System for South Africa.pdf (2.18 MB)
Supplementary Report on Literature Review - Researching a DRS for South Africa Study.pdf (646.18 KB)
Supplementary Report on Market Overview - Researching a DRS for South Africa Study.pdf (1.09 MB)
Supplementary Report on Structuring a DRS - Researching a DRS for South Africa Study.pdf (547.51 KB)
Supplementary Report on Waste Reclaimer and Buy Back Centre Surveys - Researching a DRS for South Africa Study.pdf (4.81 MB)

Date

2024

Authors

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Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

University of the Western Cape

Abstract

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) in association with Eunomia Research & Consulting Ltd. (Eunomia) is pleased to announce the findings of a study on the feasibility, cost, and impact of a proposed mandatory single-use beverage Deposit Return System (DRS) for South Africa. The study was co-funded by the Norwegian Embassy and the Alliance to End Plastic Waste (Alliance). The report provides a tailored DRS for single-use beverage packaging designed to meet the needs of South Africa. The report indicates that under such a system, collection rates for beverage containers can increase significantly, particularly for plastic bottles and glass bottles. A deposit level of ZAR 1 could achieve collection rates as high as 90% – higher than South Africa’s existing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) targets. An important aspect of this study has been on-the-ground research into key aspects that define the South African context. This involved engaging with the informal economy through waste reclaimer interviews and workshops, as well as surveying Buy Back Centres (BBCs) – which purchase recyclable materials from waste reclaimers and other suppliers – and informal retailers and HORECA establishments. The research undertaken for this study also included a market overview consisting of field surveys and data analysis, and a literature review of South African legislation and DRS/EPR legislation from nations in Africa and beyond. In terms of environmental impact, the DRS is projected to deliver a substantial net reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emission, ranging from 119 to 294 thousand tonnes CO2e per year. These reductions are expected on both the low and high placed-on-the-market (PoM) baselines and across two return route scenarios.

Description

Keywords

University of the Western Cape, Deposit Return System (DRS), South Africa, Non-governmental organisations (NGOs), Buy Back Centres (BBCs)

Citation

Grant, Andy; Elliott, Laurence; Ainger, Nicola; Schenck, Catherina; Nell, Charlotte; Flatman, Tom; et al. (2024). Researching a Deposit Return System for South Africa. University of Western Cape. Presentation. https://doi.org/10.25379/uwc.27324927.v5

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/10566/16356

Collections

Conference Posters & Research Reports