Circularity has become part of the public mindset, according to an international study commissioned by Every Can Counts that was conducted across 16 countries and more than 16,000 participants.
At the same time, deposit return systems (DRS) – also known as recycling refunds – are Americans’ chosen path to make circularity a reality.
Fifty-eight percent of Americans surveyed said they support DRS, with global support even stronger. Seventy-one percent of people around the world expressed support for DRS, with trust higher, as 88 percent believe containers returned through these systems are effectively recycled. The results of these programs drives this support. Aluminum beverage cans sold in the United States with a deposit have a 75 percent recycling rate, while aluminum beverage cans sold without a deposit have a 37 percent recycling rate. Globally, many DRS systems consistently deliver recycling rates above 90 percent.
“Deposit return systems are an effective, common sense approach to incentivize Americans to recycle used aluminum beverage cans,” said Scott Breen, president of Can Manufacturers Institute, lead organizer of the Every Can Counts U.S. chapter. “Not only does data from the United States and many countries around the world with active recycling DRS programs prove they are effective, but they are also universally popular. We hope lawmakers will recognize and implement these programs as part of necessary reforms for recycling.”
The Every Can Counts study reinforces a 2022 survey of American voters, which showed overwhelming support for DRS programs. Currently 10 states, plus Guam, use DRS programs and support among residents in these states was 90 percent.
Half of global survey respondents associate circular packaging with being recycled back into the same type of product repeatedly, and only 43 percent with being reusable. At the same time, 57 percent define recyclable packaging as “designed for circularity,” showing that the concept resonates with consumers.
“Circularity doesn’t have to be complex,” said David Van Heuverswyn, global director of Every Can Counts. “Infinitely recyclable and already widely collected, aluminum cans are proof that truly circular packaging is possible. What’s missing is awareness.”
Meanwhile, 87 percent agree that, to protect the environment, all single-use drink packaging – from beverage cans to glass and PET bottles – should be included.
The findings reveal that convenience and incentives are key to influencing change in recycling habits. Seventy-one percent even support adjusting deposit fees by container size, showing a clear preference for fair, impactful solutions.
Published March 2026