IN GERMANY, RETURNING GLASS BOTTLES GETS YOU CASH BACK Germany operates one of the world’s most efficient recycling systems through its “Pfand” deposit-refund program. When consumers purchase drinks in glass or plastic bottles, they pay a small deposit — usually €0.08 to €0.25 — which is refunded when the empty container is returned to supermarket machines. Major retailers like Aldi and Lidl use automated reverse-vending machines that scan barcodes and instantly issue vouchers redeemable for cas