Talletusjärjestelmä

Talletusjärjestelmä is a Finnish term that translates to "deposit system" or "deposit-refund system" in English. It refers to a system where consumers pay a small extra fee when purchasing certain products, typically beverage containers. This fee is refunded when the empty container is returned to a designated collection point. The primary goal of such a system is to encourage recycling and reduce litter.

Beverage containers included in talletusjärjestelmä commonly include plastic bottles, glass bottles, and metal cans. The deposit amount is usually a fixed sum, such as 10 or 20 cents, and is clearly marked on the product's packaging. Consumers can return the empty containers to automated machines found in most supermarkets and other retail locations. Upon scanning the barcode, the machine dispenses a voucher that can be redeemed for cash or used as a discount on future purchases.

The talletusjärjestelmä has proven highly effective in increasing the collection and recycling rates of beverage packaging. This leads to a more sustainable use of resources and a cleaner environment by preventing these items from ending up as waste. The system is managed by producer responsibility organizations that handle the logistics of collecting, sorting, and processing the returned containers. The revenue generated from unredeemed deposits often helps to cover the operational costs of the system.