Many individuals view recycling as inconvenient and insignificant, especially when they can’t see the direct positive impact on the environment. However, imagine if you could make money by recycling your bottles and cans.

Several European countries have implemented a recycling deposit system known as Deposit Return System (DRS). This system adds a small, refundable charge when consumers buy drinks in single-use containers, with the fee returned upon returning the empty container to a collection point. Currently, over 13 European countries have adopted this recycling deposit initiative, with more nations expected to follow suit as the EU takes action against single-use plastics.

England and Northern Ireland are also planning to introduce similar measures by October 2027.

To illustrate how this system works, a man in Amsterdam filmed himself recycling all his single-use drink bottles. He collected the bottles in a large bag and took them to a recycling collection point at a supermarket.

At the supermarket entrance, they found a collection point with large machines on the wall. A woman interacted with a touch screen before inserting the bottles into a slot on the wall one by one. A scanner checked the barcodes on the bottles to ensure eligibility for the deposit scheme and confirmed the items’ condition.

Upon inserting the items, a side screen displayed the amount of money to be received in return. The individuals in the video chose to receive a payout, and the machine issued a receipt worth €3 (£2.60) with a barcode.

The receipt could be used as a coupon in the store or redeemed for cash at kiosks inside the store. Many people were intrigued by this deposit scheme, with some sharing their thoughts online and others seeking more information.

One person asked about the treatment of returned bottles, to which another clarified that they are recycled to make new bottles. Another individual praised Denmark for its recycling efforts, mentioning their own long-term commitment to recycling practices.