This study presents a novel bibliometric analysis of Deposit Refund Systems (DRS) from 1938 to 2024, aiming to describe the thematic evolution and identify key research trends within the field. By utilizing data extracted from Scopus and applying a refined search strategy encompassing terms such as “deposit refund system,” “reverse vending machine,” and “container deposit legislation”, among others, we gather relevant publications for analysis. The study employs a series of bibliometric tools, including co-word analysis, thematic maps, trend topic analysis, and Treemaps, to dissect the complex landscape of DRS research. Through these methodologies, the research elucidates how dominant themes have shifted over the decades, highlights the emergence of new research areas, and underscores technology integration in DRS practices. Key findings reveal a significant focus on ‘recycling’ and ‘waste management’ as central themes, with emerging interests in ‘plastic waste’ and ‘technological advancements’. The analysis also identifies gaps in current research, particularly in the socio-economic impacts of DRS and its effectiveness across different geopolitical contexts. This paper significantly contributes to understanding DRS dynamics, offering valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers. It suggests areas for future research and underscores the need for a multidisciplinary approach to enhance DRS’s effectiveness in promoting sustainable waste management practices globally, thereby providing practical guidance for implementing and improving DRS systems.