Makati City:The Philippines is evaluating the adoption of Norway's Deposit-Return Scheme (DRS) for single-use plastic bottles and cans to enhance recycling efforts and reduce plastic waste. This initiative was discussed at the Norway-Philippines Circular Economy Conference 2026, held in Makati City, where Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna highlighted the government's commitment to facilitating partnerships between Norwegian companies and local government units for pilot projects.
According to Philippines News Agency, Norwegian Ambassador Kristian Netland announced plans for a pilot project at a Philippine university, set to commence in the first quarter of 2027. The project will receive support from the German development agency GIZ and the European Union. The scheme involves rewarding consumers with cash or digital incentives for returning beverage containers through reverse vending machines or community collection hubs.
Netland emphasized the importance of treating plastic waste as a resource, aiming to provide value to individuals who collect and return plastic containers. He also mentioned that Norway is collaborating with other authorities to establish a regulatory framework for plastic treatment. Norway's existing system successfully recycles about 90% of plastic and aluminum containers, thanks to cooperation with grocery owners and manufacturers.
Mark Siatta, Advisor for Circular Economy on the EU-PH Green Economy partnership of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, indicated that the project is in its development phase and subject to evaluation for funding eligibility. The pilot aims to gather insights on consumer behavior regarding deposit rates and the logistics of recycling polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and aluminum cans.
DENR Undersecretary Jonas Leones expressed the government's goal to create a replicable model for local government units by 2030. The system is expected to offer additional income opportunities for waste collectors and explore technology options for difficult-to-recycle plastics. Leones mentioned the potential of converting plastic waste into oil and utilizing mobile treatment facilities for island communities.
The conference underscored the necessity of creating markets for recovered plastics, with discussions on the challenges of transporting materials and the need for incentives to promote recycled material usage. Cuna noted existing laws in the Philippines supporting waste management and recycling, stressing the importance of implementing effective systems and market development for recycled materials.
Panelists at the conference suggested that the university pilot could help address implementation challenges, with hopes for a nationwide deposit-return program by 2030.
