A Stronger Return on Every Deposit is (to CRI’s knowledge) the first comprehensive guidebook to examine fraud, free riding, and operational errors (FF&E) across all 10 U.S. states with beverage container deposit-return systems (DRS) – which are widely recognized as the most effective recycling systems for achieving high beverage container recycling rates while producing clean, high-quality recyclable materials.

The guidebook is intended for policymakers, program administrators, state and oversight agencies, redemption centers, beverage industry participants and others who develop, operate, or oversee DRS programs; and provides practical strategies on how to strengthen these systems.

Specifically, the guidebook:

• Describes and illustrates the various ways FF&E can occur in DRS programs.
• Compares the approaches of all 10 U.S. deposit states, including auditing requirements, redemption controls, and other safeguards.
• Identifies practices and strategies used in the U.S. and around the world to prevent, detect, investigate, and address FF&E.
• Provides recommendations for building comprehensive, measurable, and goal-based approaches to program integrity.
• Offers model legislative definitions and terminology that can be used when developing or updating deposit-return legislation.
• Points readers to additional resources to explore particular issues in greater depth.

Expertise From Around the World

The guidebook was developed by a subcommittee of CRI’s Business Advisory Council and draws on statutory and regulatory research, published reports, and interviews with more than 30 experts from 14 jurisdictions. More than a dozen experts also reviewed the completed document for accuracy.

The research incorporated experience from U.S. deposit states as well as international programs, including Alberta, Canada’s comprehensive approach to preventing, detecting, investigating, and enforcing against deposit system FF&E.

An Invaluable Resource for Stronger DRS Programs

Whether a state is developing a new DRS program, updating an existing one, or looking for ways to strengthen program integrity, this guidebook provides comprehensive reference material for understanding the vulnerabilities that can arise and the tools available to address them.

Read the guidebook

Read the fact sheet with a Framework for Effective Legislation, and Policy and Administrative Recommendations

Read the fact sheet: “Practices in Alberta That Prevent Fraud, Free Riding and Errors”

Read the press release