We are working, in consortium with Ciemsa and our international partner Reverse Logistics Group (RLG), on the executive design and operation of a nationwide Deposit, Return and Refund System (DRS) for single-use beverage containers. This system is based on associating an economic value to certain packaging waste, encouraging consumers to return them for recovery and valorization.

The plan contemplates the collection of PET containers (bottles and jerry cans), aluminum (soft drink and beer cans), glass (soft drink, beer, wine, whiskey, liquor and other spirits bottles) and MLV (wine and juice in a box) of single use and with a volume greater than 0.15 liters. All stores must sell with deposit and, depending on their size, receive returns. The returned containers are stored in the stores and are picked up by a logistics provider for transfer to counting centers, where industrial machinery sorts and registers the material. The recovered material is then transported to the consolidation plant, to be built in Montevideo or its metropolitan area, for compaction and subsequent sale.

Our scope included the executive design of the DRS, the definition of technical parameters, the description of its operation, the design of the collection logistics, the sizing of the necessary infrastructure and machinery, as well as the search for commercial adhesion. We also carried out the collection and transportation of containers, the design and construction of the required infrastructure, the supply and commissioning of the equipment, the operation and maintenance of the collection, counting and consolidation centers, and the development and implementation of an IT system for the control and follow-up of returned containers.

This project represents a milestone in the management of packaging waste in Uruguay, strengthening the circular economy and reaffirming our commitment to innovative and sustainable solutions of national scope.