Laura Stewart, executive director of the National Association of PET Container Resources (NAPCOR), expressed her support for HB 2048 and SB 728, which aim to establish a deposit return system for recycling in Texas. She made this statement during an interview with the Lone Star Standard on April 8.
"A DRS would significantly reduce litter," said Stewart. "Studies show that states DRS see fewer bottles and cans clogging their highways, beaches, and waterways."
HB 2048, authored by Representative John Lujan, and SB 728, filed by Senator Johnson, propose the creation of a Deposit Return System (DRS) in Texas. According to the Texas Legislature Online, this legislation would introduce a privately administered incentive program modeled after successful systems in other states and countries. Notably, there is no fiscal note currently associated with either bill.
Stewart said that data analysis conducted by NAPCOR indicates that a redemption system like the one proposed under HB 2048 and SB 728 could increase plastic bottle recovery and reuse in Texas by 2.5 times on a per capita basis from current rates, which rely solely on curbside collection. "Texans deserve a recycling system that turns waste into economic opportunity, creates local jobs, and reduces dependence on costly foreign imports," she said.
This proposal is similar to the DRS used in Norway, Sweden, and Germany, where recycling rates exceed 90%.
Stewart further noted that while Texas has long been seen as a leader in energy and innovation, it is falling behind in recycling efforts. This shortfall costs Texas businesses valuable resources, increases litter across the state, and forces Texans to import recycled materials from other countries at increased costs and inefficiencies. Of the 23.7 billion beverage containers purchased by Texans in 2021, nearly 80% were not recycled. Stewart emphasized that "the economic impact of HB2048/SB728 is just as compelling" as environmental reasons for adopting these measures. "A new paper from Texas A&M’s Mosbacher Institute estimates that Texas left $472.6 million in recyclable material value on the table in 2021 alone."
According to Stewart, members of the NAPCOR come from the entire PET supply chain, including raw materials suppliers, container producers, equipment suppliers, and PET reclaimers. Over 25% of NAPCOR members operate in the state of Texas, working in manufacturing, reclaiming, and supplying PET plastic across the state.
According to her LinkedIn profile, Stewart serves as Executive Director of NAPCOR where she leads national efforts to promote and improve PET recycling. With an Executive MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and over two decades of leadership experience in marketing, sales, and operations, she has established a strong track record in strategic growth, sustainability advocacy, and organizational transformation.
