Biology Regents Practice Exam

How does a deposit system for beverage containers help the environment?

1. Encourages purchases of products without deposits

2. Reduces overall spending for shoppers

3. Reduces plastics and glass in landfills

4. Forces manufacturers to lower air pollution

The correct answer is: Reduces plastics and glass in landfills

A deposit system for beverage containers incentivizes consumers to return their empty bottles and cans by offering a monetary return when they do so. This encourages recycling and proper disposal, significantly decreasing the volume of plastics and glass that end up in landfills. When containers are returned, they can be processed for reuse or recycling, resulting in less raw material being needed to produce new containers. This process not only conserves natural resources but also minimizes the environmental impact associated with producing new materials, leading to a reduction in waste and pollution. In contrast to the other options, the deposit system specifically targets the issue of container waste. It does not promote purchases of products without deposits, nor does it necessarily lead to lower overall spending for shoppers. Additionally, while manufacturers may respond to consumer actions by adjusting their practices, the deposit system itself primarily addresses waste management rather than directly forcing manufacturers to lower air pollution.