Call to Design: Re-energizing the Original Approach to Recycling

Ever drink a beer in Germany (or, for the teetotaler, a Fanta in Mexico), and notice the rough rings around the fattest parts of the glass bottle? That’s because it’s been recycled—and there’s no telling how often that same bottle has been returned, refunded, and reused to quench the thirst of someone just like you. Chances are it’s a lot, and that’s a good thing.

In the United States, bottle-deposit legislation, or “bottle bills,” were among the earliest and most successful measures enacted by states to promote recycling, and yet it’s one of the least talked about by today’s sustainable living advocates. To this day, it’s estimated that bottles constitute some 40 to 60 percent of all litter.

In 1971, Oregon became the first state to fight this trend with a law requiring bottlers and retailers to charge a deposit, and then refund it when the bottle was returned. By 1986, ten states had passed similar legislation, with refund rates anywhere from five to ten cents, and collection rates between 66 to 96 percent. The national average hovers in the 45 percent range.

Part of the problem is that few people know how to take advantage of bottle deposit systems and why they’re such a good idea. That’s why GOOD is hosting an open call for submissions by designers, policy-makers, problem-solvers, and general do-gooders to revamp and re-brand the humble system of the bottle bill.

It’s a shame these laws are so terribly confusing, so we’re looking for your help to communicate, in any way that gets the message across, who owes what to whom, how much, where the money goes, and where to go to get a refund. Touch on things like handling fees, which in New York, can whittle your five-cent refund to a penny and a half. And tell us which, if any, grocery stores have reverse-vending machines. And when was the last time you drank an American beer in a reusable bottle? It’s probably been a while. Maybe we can change that too?

To recap:

• Design something that will inspire the public about the bottle deposit system. An image, video, and/or text.
• Submit it here.
• Come back on November 21st and bring your friends. Vote for the best design.

• This Call to Design is open for submissions from November 7th to November 18th.
• Submissions can include an image or a link to a YouTube video.
• Approved submissions will be featured on this page and public voting will be open from November 18th to November 25th.
• The submission with the most votes will receive $50 from the GOOD Fund, a GOOD T-shirt and a year free subscription to GOOD Magazine.
• Read all the rules.

Photo via (cc) Flickr user waitscm