Since June 1st, the city of Sangüesa became the first locality in Navarra and in Spain to launch a pilot project for container return, based on the Deposit, Return, and Refund System (DRRS).
The initiative aims to reduce waste, improve selective collection, and promote recycling through returning containers to stores.
How does the DRRS work in Sangüesa?
Deposit of 10 cents per container and return at machines or affiliated stores.
The system applies to beverages packaged in cans or plastic bottles of less than three liters (soft drinks, water, juices, and beers). Each unit is sold with a 10 cents deposit, which is refunded upon returning the container at:
- Machines located on Calle Mayor 23 and at the BM supermarket
- Local stores that accept manual returns
Positive results in the first stage
In the first month and a half, over 80,000 containers have been returned, with 75% of returns made at the machines.
The Director General of the Environment, Ana Bretaña, celebrated the exemplary behavior of consumers, emphasizing that the system reduces the presence of single-use containers in the residual fraction, preventing them from ending up in the landfill.
“We are improving the quality of the residual fraction and preventing cans and bottles from becoming trash,” Bretaña stated.
Local commitment and environmental leadership
Sangüesa positions itself as a reference in recycling and circular economy. The president of the Mancomunidad de Servicios de la Comarca de Sangüesa, Aitor Sola, emphasized the pride of being pioneers in this experience and highlighted:
- The active participation of citizens
- The commitment of affiliated stores
- The transformation of waste into a valuable resource
“The consumer shows that what has value is not abandoned,” Sola pointed out.
Environmental and social benefits of the DRRS
Less garbage in public spaces, more recycling, and closing the product lifecycle
The system allows:
- To increase the selective collection of containers
- To reduce garbage in streets and natural environments
- To decrease pollution and pressure on landfills
- To promote circular economy and effective recycling
A model proven in more than 50 countries
The DRRS already operates successfully in over 50 countries, including Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Lithuania.
In the latter, return rates increased from less than 40% to over 92% in just two years, demonstrating the system’s potential to transform waste management.
