Introduction of deposit return scheme is a milestone towards a cleaner Brussels

The Brussels coalition agreement is very clear about deposits: “The Government will introduce a deposit system for cans and plastic bottles.” (page 105 of the text). The Brussels government of PS, Ecolo, DéFi, Groen, Open VLD and one.brussels (SP.A) is the first new regional government and is therefore immediately opting for deposits on plastic and cans. Plastic […]

Rob Buurman

18 Jul 2019

On deposits, the Brussels coalition agreement is very clear: “The Government will introduce a deposit system for cans and plastic bottles.” (page 105 of the text). The Brussels government of PS, Ecolo, Défi, Groen, Open VLD and one.brussels (SP.A) is the first new regional government and is therefore immediately opting for deposits on plastic and cans.

Plastic bottles and cans make up 40% of litter. The city cleaning services are fighting a losing battle against the endless stream of beverage packaging that ends up on the streets. Deposits reduce the number of bottles and cans in litter by 70 to 90 per cent.

“The decision of the Brussels government is therefore very strong and important. Deposits immediately make a city much cleaner. Now it is up to the beverage producers and supermarkets to accept the outstretched hand,” says environmental organisation Recycling Netwerk.

The plans for organic waste and the strengthening of extended producer responsibility on other waste streams (building materials, textiles, furniture, hazardous household waste) are also good decisions by the new Brussels government. It is important to work this out properly so that it leads to better collection, but also and above all to more sustainable products, according to Recycling Netwerk.

Beverage giants and supermarkets

Earlier this month, the French government declared that it would introduce deposits on plastic bottles and cans. In France, beverage giants Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Nestlé and Danone and supermarkets Carrefour, Aldi and Lidl immediately declared their agreement with deposits in an open letter in Le Journal du Dimanche.

“We invite the Belgian business community to do the same and support the plans of the Brussels region. When one says economy, one says businesses. In order to achieve a circular economy, it is necessary for businesses to cooperate in the transition in consultation with the government and the environmental movement. We therefore invite Belgian beverage producers and supermarkets to clearly express their support for deposits, just like their French sector colleagues,” Recycling Netwerk concludes.