On Wednesday, 22 July 2026, the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA), under the Prevention of Marine Litter in the Caribbean Sea (PROMAR) Project, successfully hosted a virtual Capacity Building Session titled "Strengthening Public Participation in Deposit Return Systems (DRS)." The session was facilitated by Johanna Mützel (Manager), Paolo Facco (Senior Advisor), and Beatriz Bernardino Buccioli (Project Assistant) from adelphi Research gGmbH's Green and Circular Economy Team, and brought together around 40 participants, including representatives from the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA), the Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development (MPEAD), the UNEP Cartagena Convention Secretariat, environmental stakeholders, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academia, the private sector, and regional PROMAR partners.

 

Held via Microsoft Teams, the session explored the principles of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Deposit Return Systems (DRS), giving participants valuable insight into how these policy approaches can improve recycling rates, reduce litter, and promote a circular economy. Interactive discussions examined the roles of producers, retailers, consumers, recyclers, and government in implementing an effective DRS, while a live Mentimeter poll encouraged participants to reflect on the factors that influence public participation in such systems.

 

The program also examined the key drivers and barriers to public participation, including economic, infrastructural, psychological, social, and awareness-related factors. Presenters emphasized the importance of accessible return infrastructure, ongoing public education, strategic communication campaigns, and sustained stakeholder engagement in encouraging long-term behavioral change around plastic and container recovery.

 

A highlight of the session was the presentation of international case studies from Barbados, Germany, Malta, Austria, Singapore, and Portugal, showcasing successful Deposit Return Systems and innovative public awareness strategies from around the world. Participants reflected on how these international experiences could help inform the development of future DRS initiatives in Trinidad and Tobago.

 

The session concluded with an engaging question-and-answer segment, where participants discussed implementation considerations, regulatory requirements, and lessons learned from previous reverse vending machine initiatives in Trinidad and Tobago. Throughout the discussion, the event reinforced the importance of collaboration, education, communication, accessibility, and strong stakeholder partnerships in advancing effective Deposit Return Systems and reducing marine litter.

 

By bringing together diverse stakeholders to explore practical, evidence-based approaches to plastic and container recovery, this Capacity Building Session marks another step forward in PROMAR's ongoing efforts to strengthen local capacity, inform national policy development, and support the transition toward a circular economy in Trinidad and Tobago.