Europe can recycle more, at a lower cost

Across Europe, governments are under pressure to deliver higher recycling rates at lower cost. A new adelphi study finds that countries can achieve both when producer responsibility schemes are built around four concrete design choices: 

• Operational responsibility,
• material responsibility,
• full producer cost coverage, and
• independent oversight are key drivers.

Competition, when well regulated, multiplies these gains.
Where Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) hold operations, materials, and costs and face fair competition, continuous cost pressure and innovation drive higher recycling at lower fees.

Efficiency and Performance of Packaging EPR Systems in the EU compares systems across Member States and finds these governance choices are the most reliable predictors of both recycling outcomes and price efficiency.