The effect of volume reduction methods on beverage packaging waste recycling in the deposit return system

Aydın S., Güneysu S., Ciner M. N., Elmaslar Özbaş E., Özcan H. K., Öngen A.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, cilt.22, sa.8, ss.1-20, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 22 Sayı: 8
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s13762-025-06476-4
  • Dergi Adı: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, Aqualine, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), Biotechnology Research Abstracts, CAB Abstracts, Compendex, Environment Index, Geobase, INSPEC, Pollution Abstracts, Veterinary Science Database
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1-20
  • İstanbul Üniversitesi-Cerrahpaşa Adresli: Evet

Özet

This study examines the environmental and economic implications of volume reduction techniques applied to beverage packaging waste within deposit return systems (DRSs). The research evaluates methods such as compression, crushing, and cutting, focusing on their Efectiveness in reducing the volume of plastic, glass, metal, and composite containers. The fndings indicate that these techniques substantially reduce container volumes, with cutting and shredding proving particularly efective for metal and aluminum cans. Specifcally, the cost of transporting one ton of plastic containers over 100 km is reduced by 73%, while transportation costs for metal and aluminum containers decrease by 50%. From an environmental perspective, volume reduction methods signifcantly contribute to sustainability by minimizing vehicle emissions and optimizing transportation demands. Economically, these techniques enhance logistical efciency and lead to substantial reductions in operational costs, thereby reinforcing the overall efcacy and viability of DRSs. The study’s results ofer actionable insights for policymakers seeking to optimize recycling systems through regulatory frameworks that incorporate volume reduction practices. Moreover, the fndings reveal opportunities for industries to implement these techniques, ensuring alignment with circular economy principles and regulatory mandates. These contributions underscore the critical role of volume reduction methods in enhancing both the environmental and economic outcomes of recycling processes within DRSs.