Test-Achats survey: 3 out of 4 Belgians want a deposit return scheme

74% of consumers surveyed are in favour of a deposit on cans and plastic bottles. This is a significant increase compared to the two-thirds of consumers in the Test-Aankoop survey four years ago. Public support therefore continues to grow. 89% of Belgian consumers will return their empty beverage packaging to the supermarket when a deposit system is introduced. 82% consider litter in their living environment to be a (major) problem.

The Test-Aankoop survey shows that Belgians supports this measure en masse. Deposit return systems have been in place for a long time in 8 European countries. Another 10 countries are working on legislation to introduce or expand deposit systems in their country. It was in the news this week that the Spanish and Austrian governments are taking major steps. Furthermore, on Wednesday, the European beverage producer federations (UNESDA and NMWE), joined by environmental organisation Zero Waste Europe, asked the European Commission to set minimum criteria for national deposit schemes.

Environmental organisation Recycling Netwerk Benelux reacts to the Test-Aankoop survey: “The Belgian public massively support deposits on plastic cans and bottles. Environmental measures are rarely this popular. The European federations of Coca-Cola, Pepsico, Unilever and Danone have made it clear that they want to cooperate in introducing deposits, partly because various European targets can only be achieved with a deposit system.”

“In addition, 307 Flemish, Brussels, and Wallon cities and municipalities, more than half of all Belgian municipalities, are already members of the Statiegeldalliantie. 3 out of 4 Belgians are in favour of the measure. When will the regional governments of Flanders, Brussels, and Wallonia submit the decrees for the introduction of deposits on plastic cans and bottles?”

A survey by GfK in 2018 showed that within the electorate of every political party, a large majority is in favour of deposit systems. The Belang van Limburg survey in April this year also showed massive support for the introduction of deposits. “What is holding politics back now?”, Recycling Netwerk Benelux concludes.