Tag: waste

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DEPOSIT SYSTEM IS FAILING

The deposit system is not working properly. One and a half year ago, we happily announced the introduction of a 15 cent deposit on all cans and plastic bottles in the Netherlands (in Dutch: statiegeld). The deposit was supposed to improve waste separation and to decrease trash.  But in reality we face new problems. What is happening?

GOOD INTENTIONS, BAD RESULTS

Research on behalf of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management showed that a deposit system can reduce the amount of litter by as much as 70 to 90 percent. Moreover, returning your cans or bottles to a vending machine contributes to achieving recycling targets.

Unfortunately, we seem to face more trash these days. Is the deposit system failing? We conclude:

  • Only 50% of all cans are returned to a collection point (source)
  • Waste bins in public spaces are ripped apart as people desperately search for cans and bottles, causing a lot of nuisance.
  • There is an insuffient number of collection points. A point of sale is not automatically a drop-off point.
  • The collection points’ machines are often out of order.
  • The barcode must be easily scannable, impossible with dented cans.

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

Several national consumer campaigns have been launched, showing that consumers can also get their deposit back at petrol stations, for example. Some municipalities have now equipped waste bins with special holders where people can leave their deposit packaging. A nice gesture, but will it be sufficient?

CONTINUE OR ABANDON THE DEPOSIT SYSTEM?

Do you have a suggestion how to tackle this problem? Do you want to continue or abandon the deposit system in the Netherlands? How is this organised in your country? We would love to hear your thoughts.

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BEST PRACTICES: WASTE WARRIORS

Anyone who has been to India knows that waste management is a major challenge. Especially single-use plastics are everywhere. Solving the waste crisis in the Indian Himalayan region is the goal of Waste Warriors. This non profit organisation operates in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh since 2012. What is Waste Warriers’ strategy? And what can you do as tourist or Indian citizen?

Litter on the streets (image source: Refill Ambassadors)
Raising awareness at Bhagsu waterfall, a popular tourist hangout (image source: Refill Ambassadors)

1. Zero waste program

Waste Worriers work closely with local governments to help them overcome challenges in setting up effective waste management systems. The goal is to look for long-term solutions, with a special focus on tourist areas.

2. Community activation

According to Waste Warriors, there are always some people already tackling the problem. Waste Warriors works to identify, encourage and promote the work of these Warriors from within the community. Not just to take care of one’s own waste, but to improve the entire community. Among others, activities include:

  • Collaborate with artists to transform spaces
  • Organise public campaigns
  • Run education programs
  • Responsible tourist initiatives
Pledge to not litter (image source: Refill Ambassadors)

3. Research and advocacy

Waste Warriors partners with academic institutions think tanks, and other non-profits to design and implement policy advocacy and research projects with specific objectives. They look at the environmental impact of waste, behavioural change and technology solutions.

4. Dignified livelihoods

Waste workers often face lots of social and economic difficulties. That’s why Waste Warriors wants to assist youth and women to generate additional income and earn their identity.

Waste Warriers achievements

The organisation states:

A decade into the battle, we realize we have a long path ahead. Yet, our small victories along the way have created large ripple effects!

We are proud that they have collected 5,570 Metric Tonnes of waste, engaged more than 160.000 people, and empowered over 700 waste workers.

This blog is just a very short summary of all the work Waste Warriors is doing. Visit their website to learn more.

What you can do

  • Join as volunteer for cleanups or other events throughout India, or organise your own cleanup
  • Separate your waste
  • Decrease your own waste, by opting to eat in, bring your own water bottle with filter, cutlery, bag, reusable cup, etc.
  • Pick up litter when going on a hike
River bed leading to the Ganga, Rishikesh (image source: Refill Ambassadors)

Share your thoughts

Do you have more tips? We are excited to hear from you.

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WATER REFILL IN INDIA

Drinking tap water in India is not recommended in most areas. Luckily, refill stations are widespread in the subcontinent. Bring your bottle and start refilling! In this blog we explain how.

1. WATER REFILL IN INDIA WITH FILTER SYSTEMS

Refilling purified and cool drinks for 5 rupies per liter
When the train stops, you can run in and out for a water refill

At some squares, stations and other public places you can refill your own water bottle directly at a machine. This will cost around 5 rupies per liter. Many hotels and museums also offer free filtered water. If they don’t have it on display just ask for it.

2. FREE WATER FOUNTAINS

At many places you will find public drinking fountains with signs indicating ‘drinking water’. We did not test this water in a lab, but we did not get sick of it either. This water is always free of charge and you will see many Indians drinking from them.

Typical drinking water tap at a train station
Many people will use the same metal cup, so it’s smart to bring your own (cup or bottle)

3. ORDINARY TAP WATER

When traveling to any country where tap water is not potable, we recommend to bring a filter bottle, steripen or other filter. We are traveling in India with the Water-To-Go bottle. This enables you to refill at almost any tap and drink unfiltered water from restaurants. Then you never have to worry about buying plastic bottles.

WATER REFILL IN INDIA

You may wonder if refilling is really necessary when you only travel a couple of weeks or months in India. Packaged bottled water is widely available and cheap (around € 0,20 per liter). And you don’t want to get sick because of contaminated water. But as a traveler, we feel you have a shared responsibility for your waste.

Many places lack a functioning waste management system, plastic waste is everywhere and many items end up burned instead of recycled.

So please:

  • Put in some extra effort for your water refills, while still using your head to assess the risks (e.g. does it look clean & trustworthy).
  • Don’t open free single use water bottles in hotels, trains, etc.
  • When ordering drinks, ask to serve it without a straw.
  • Water refills are only the first step. You may also want to bring or buy boxes for food parcels and a reusable cup for chai.

MORE REFILL IN INDIA TIPS

If you have more tips on how to refill in India, please leave your comment below. We would love to hear your thoughts.

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