Anjli Sreekumar

Woxsen University, India

Title: Beyond RVMs: Low-Cost Smart Bins for Inclusive Deposit Return Scheme

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Biography

Abstract

Deposit Return Schemes (DRS), systems that enable the return and recovery of packaging materials through refundable deposits, are increasingly integrated into waste management strategies worldwide. The effectiveness of these schemes depends not only on policy frameworks but also on the practicality of return infrastructure across diverse collection environments. Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs), automated devices for container collection, have become the primary return-point solution, yet their operational and spatial demands can constrain deployment in community, temporary, or non-retail settings.

This paper investigates return-point infrastructure from a waste management perspective, focusing on how design choices affect usability, deployment feasibility, and operational integration. The study employs a qualitative comparative analysis of existing DRS implementations, drawing on policy documents, publicly documented infrastructure deployments, and return-point typologies to examine how different infrastructural models perform across varied collection contexts. Limitations associated with centralized, machine- heavy return systems are identified, and alternative design approaches that support distributed collection models are explored.

The findings suggest that modular and adaptable return-point systems can complement existing waste management infrastructure by reducing operational and spatial barriers while maintaining functional performance. The study contributes to discussions on improving material recovery systems through infrastructure strategies that support broader participation and flexible deployment.