A new publication argues for implementing the system in Texas
COLLEGE STATION, TX (September 2025) – A new Mosbacher Institute White Paper strengthens the case for a deposit refund system in Texas. Raymond Robertson, Ph.D., Helen and Roy Ryu Professor of Economics and Institute Director, offers fresh evidence on why Texas should invest in such a system to reduce plastic waste, building upon his earlier policy brief, “Importing Trash? How a Deposit Refund System Could Reduce Trash Imports and Help Clean Texas,” co-authored by Kaleb Abreha, Ph.D. Drawing from more than 9 million trade observations for the world and a specific sample for the United States, the paper demonstrates that U.S plastic waste imports are highly sensitive to tariff increases—a 1% increase reduces plastic waste imports by 3%. This finding suggests that tariff shifts and international regulatory shocks may increase reliance on domestic alternatives, further supporting a deposit refund system for Texas.
Mosbacher Institute White Papers, published by the Mosbacher Institute for Trade, Economics, and Public Policy at The Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University, present research-based analysis to deepen understanding of critical policy issues.
