Tagasipeegelduv

Tagasipeegelduv, also known as the "return deposit" or "deposit refund" system, is a financial mechanism commonly used in Estonia and several other countries to encourage recycling and proper waste disposal. The system operates through a small, refundable deposit paid by consumers when purchasing certain single-use items, such as beverage containers, plastic bottles, or packaging materials. When these items are returned to designated collection points, the deposit is reimbursed.

In Estonia, the tagasipeegelduv system was introduced in 2003 as part of efforts to reduce littering and improve recycling rates. The system is managed by a non-profit organization called *Tagasipeegelduv AS*, which oversees the collection, sorting, and recycling of returned items. Consumers can return eligible containers at over 1,500 collection points nationwide, including supermarkets, recycling centers, and public drop-off stations. The deposit amount varies depending on the item, typically ranging from 0.10 to 0.50 euros.

The tagasipeegelduv system has been widely successful in Estonia, contributing to a high recycling rate for beverage containers. Studies suggest that the system has significantly reduced littering and increased public awareness of environmental responsibility. The refund process is straightforward: consumers present their containers at a collection point, where a scanner verifies the deposit amount, and the refund is either credited to a prepaid card or directly to a bank account, depending on the method registered by the consumer.

Beyond Estonia, similar deposit refund schemes exist in countries like Germany, Norway, and parts of the United States, often under different names. The system is considered an effective policy tool for promoting sustainability by aligning economic incentives with environmentally friendly behavior.