Deposit System as a Reverse Logistics Tool in a Circular Economy

Abstract

The aim of the article is to highlight the growing importance of reverse logistics in the era of highly developed consumerism, and to draw attention to the aspect concerning the reuse of packaging in terms of the functioning of the deposit system. The research carried out within the framework of the article was aimed at gaining information on the habits and level of knowledge of consumers regarding the deposit system of returnable glass bottles in Poland, as well as identifying possible shortcomings present in it. The research part of the article was based on a social survey conducted by a diagnostic survey method. The survey showed no correlation between the age of respondents and their choice of beverages in returnable glass bottles. No significant correlations were also observed for the frequency of returnable bottle donation and such variables as place of residence or respondents’ declared earnings. Respondents’ responses to the introduction of bottle machines strongly supported the measure, and considered it to improve the operation of the deposit system and encourage participation in it. The article is an original study showing the importance of the deposit-refund system in waste management in the context of the implementation of the assumptions of the circular economy.