Deposit-refund systems have proven to effectively collect large quantities of empty beverage containers and other packaging for high-quality recycling. In such systems, packaging or other items are given an economic value by requiring consumers to pay a deposit on the packaging at the point of sale. When the empty packaging or items are returned, the deposit is refunded. Giving a monetary value to empty packaging significantly increases separate waste collection and return rates by consumers, making recycling more feasible and cost-efficient. Deposit-refund systems can play a key role in progressing towards a circular economy and reducing the amount of litter packaging waste, including plastics that could become marine litter without incentives provided for their recovery.