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Even as EPR, DRS and other promising policies involving reuse are being developed, the definitions of “reuse” are scattered and often ill-conceived. Now is the time to properly define reusable packaging—and especially differentiate between returnable and refillable packaging—in the policy context.

We dig into this rich topic in Upstream's Feb 15th, 2024 installment of Indisposable Live (our livestream series). Learn from Zero Waste Europe’s Nathan Dufour about the recommendations outlined in ZWE’s "Packaging Refill vs. Packaging Prevention" report, as well as from Oceana’s Matt Littlejohn about global examples of reuse at scale. Upstream’s Policy Director and discussion moderator Sydney Harris explains the different types of reuse, offers some do’s and don’ts within the policy landscape, and shares Upstream’s own recommended definition of reuse—in hopes of moving us all forward in passing truly effective reuse policy.

For a full roundup of links, see our Key Takeaways blog post

Fifty years of data on deposit return system (DRS) laws (or “bottle bills”) in the U.S. demonstrate that these programs effectively boost collection and recycling rates, create opportunities and jobs in local economies, prevent roadside litter and plastic pollution, and catalyze reuse.

What is the importance of reuse in DRS, and how can DRS policies incorporate the latest thinking on reuse solutions, funding, and incentives?

Learn more about this and recent policy wins across the country from special guest panelists Susan Collins, President of the Container Recycling Institute; Sarah Nichols, Sustainable Maine Director at the Natural Resources Council of Maine; and Peter Spendelow, Natural Resource Specialist at Oregon Dept of Environmental Quality. They showcase the distinct ways that California, Oregon, and Maine have begun to incorporate reuse/refill into their bottle bills.

Resources:

Bottlebill.org: in depth statistics and information on bottle bill programs around the world

Maine's bottle bill (LD1909)

Chaptered text of the updated law in Maine

California SB 1013 page

The New Reuse Economy: Upstream’s paper on the infrastructure needed to support reuse across the beverage, foodservice, and CPG sectors

1974 EPA report: Second Report to Congress - Resource Recovery and Source Reduction

Peter Spendelow’s slides

Susan Collins’ slides

Held as part of The Reusies 2023 at Circularity 23 in Seattle, WA on June 7—this candid panel discussion addressed some of the big successes, challenges, opportunities and calls for more cooperation across sectors to make a vision of the New Reuse Economy a reality.

With momentum surging in state legislatures to tackle the growing waste crisis, we face a pivotal opportunity to catalyze the new reuse economy. Join Upstream and friends as we explore how best to incorporate waste prevention and reuse into one of the most popular waste policies - Extended Producer Responsibility. Strong EPR policies should support a just transition to a circular economy that prioritizes reuse.

Upstream's Policy Director, Sydney Harris, provides an overview of our new Principles for Reuse/Refill in EPR and DRS and hosts a conversation with special guest panelists who craft and support EPR legislation – including Jennifer Navarra, Program Director for Zero Waste Hawaiʻi Island; Will Grassle, Associate for Policy & Programs at the Product Stewardship Institute; McKenna Morrigan, Policy Advisor at Seattle Public Utilities; and David Allaway, Senior Policy Analyst at the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s Materials Management Program.

This livestream was held on March 15, 2023.

Upstream's new Chief Strategy Officer, Priscilla Johnson, hosts a lively discussion with several reuse thought leaders on the ideation, experimentation and strategies needed to create a shift to a circular economy.

What are the guidelines, standards, and infrastructure required for an effective reuse economy? Join Upstream’s Chief Solutioneer/CEO, Matt Prindiville as he moderates an engaging and informative discussion with three special guests – Amy Larkin and Claudette Juska from PR3 and Olga Kachook from GreenBlue - who are putting the puzzle pieces together , “setting the standard for reuse” and helping to enable businesses to thrive in the growing circular economy.

As fans return to sporting arenas and music lovers celebrate the return of concerts and festivals, sustainability issues at events and venues are coming back into focus – specifically, what to do about the ever-present disposable plastic cup. Upstream’s Chief Solutioneer/CEO, Matt Prindiville hosted special guests who are advancing “a better way than throw-away” and innovating solutions around single-use at large scale events including Roger McClendon from Green Sports Alliance, Michael Martin from r.Cup/r.Ware, and Ryan Everton from TURN.

Upstream teamed up with the Safer States network to develop more comprehensive foodware reduction policies designed to help us move towards non-toxic reusables and phase out the most problematic chemicals and materials from disposable food packaging. Miriam Gordon from Upstream and Renée Sharp from Safer States present their shared vision for the next generation of foodware policies.

Check out what viewer Edward Wrenn from Pittsburgh called “the best hour and a half I have ever spent!” as Upstream CEO Matt Prindiville interviews reuse entrepreneurs Keiko Niccolini (r.Cup/r.Ware), Lauren Sweeney (DeliverZero), and Paul Liotsakis (Sparkl). Learn how our guests started their businesses, their plans for the future, how they’re adapting – and even thriving – during the pandemic, and how you can help bring their services to your own community.

COVID-19 started as a health crisis but quickly morphed into a plastic waste crisis. From PPEs to online deliveries of food and goods, our homes and communities are being flooded with single-use plastics.