Survey shows bipartisan support for recycling refund programs

A public opinion poll found that 81 percent of Americans support recycling refund programs. Washington-based Lincoln Park Strategies conducted the poll, which surveyed 1,000 U.S. adults in June 2022 with a 3 percent margin of error.

According to the survey, support for these programs was strong and consistent across all political and demographic groups. Residents of states with existing recycling refund programs expressed the highest level of support at 90 percent. Currently, 10 states plus Guam offer recycling refund programs in the United States.

The survey indicated that 87 percent of Democrats, 76 percent of Republicans and 73 percent of Independents support recycling refund programs. Reducing litter, enabling the reuse of materials, creating jobs and lowering greenhouse gas emissions were the top reasons respondents expressed support for recycling refund programs.

Also, 72 percent of respondents support redemption programs that incentivize companies to use materials with high economic value. Most respondents, 72 percent, also reported that it is important to recycle all types of materials.

Additionally, of the respondents who have redeemed deposits before, 69 percent reported that if redeemed at a retail location, they would spend all or some of the deposit refund at the retail location where they received the redemption.

According to a news release from both Arlington, Virginia-based Aluminum Association and the Washington-based Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI), several organizations have endorsed www.RecyclingRefundsWork.org as an informational microsite on recycling refund programs. Groups that have endorsed the site include the Aluminum Association, the American Conservation Coalition, the American Consumer Institute, CMI, ConservAmerica, Consumer Action, National Consumers League, National Recycling Coalition, Rainey Center Freedom Project, Reloop, U.S. Public Interest Research Group and Virginia Bottle Bill Organization.

“It’s clear that Americans overwhelmingly support efforts to grow the economy, improve recycling and reduce litter and greenhouse gas emissions through recycling refund programs,” says Charles Johnson, president and CEO of the Aluminum Association. “During a time when few public policies enjoy such strong bipartisan support, lawmakers should act – pursuing well-designed recycling refund programs at the state and federal level.”

“The economic and environmental benefits that a modern, high-performing nationwide deposit return delivers are well-documented: 188 billion additional containers recycled each year; more than 150,000 additional direct and indirect jobs created; and a carbon impact equivalent of removing 2.4 million cars from the road annually,” says Elizabeth Balkan, director at Reloop North America. “These are only possible with a 90 percent collection rate and adhering to clear guiding principles. We at Reloop are committed to supporting responsible, effective policy, and efforts such as this bring us all one step closer to that objective."