Deposit Return System
The first deposit system was introduced in Dublin more than 200 years ago. So it is far from new. Additional value is given to the packaging, which acts as an incentive for consumers to return it to the store, from where it can be recycled or reused. This system has proven to reduce litter and increase the consistency of high-quality recycling and separate collection. Every reason for us to make this the standard!
Deposit money – what exactly are we talking about?
Deposit money, an environmental measure embraced in more and more countries. It is a powerful tool to reduce packaging and litter, promote recycling and encourage the switch to reuse. The formula is simple: you pay a deposit for your drink when you buy it and get it back when you return the package to the store. It is convenient for consumers, prevents litter and saves resources. A no-brainer, right?
Netherlands
Although the Netherlands has had a deposit system in place for large plastic bottles for nearly a decade, extending deposits to small plastic bottles and cans has met with strong industry resistance. Nonetheless, it did work out: since July 2021 there has been a deposit on plastic bottles and from April 2023 on cans as well. Fair Resource Foundation actively contributed to this environmental success. The positive impact on reducing litter was immediate. We are currently working to further optimize the system so that it can provide the same benefits as in other countries where the deposit system has already proved successful.
BELGIUM
In Belgium, there is currently a voluntary deposit on reusable glass bottles, such as beer, but no system yet in place for plastic bottles and cans. Historically, the Belgian industry has opposed the introduction of deposits on these packaging materials. Fortunately, regional governments, supported by our efforts, have paved the way for this important environmental measure. Although the final decision is still pending, support for deposits is growing steadily. Therefore, we are joining forces with consumer organizations, environmental NGOs and farmer organizations to get this system implemented nationwide.
deposit alliance
Dhe Deposit Alliance has been fighting for the introduction of a deposit system in both the Netherlands and Belgium since 2018. Fair Resource Foundation was one of the initiators. Since then, more than 1,300 partners have joined, including
cities and municipalities, banks, companies, farmer and consumer organizations and NGOs. Since 2020, the Deposit Alliance has been actively campaigning for deposits with its “Deposit Money, Yes We Can!” campaign.
Latest Articles
About Deposit Money
[Position paper] On the road to ambitious Deposit Return Systems all over Europe
While the general ambitions of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), especially regarding the reuse targets, have been largely watered down by industry lobbies, we do still welcome the direction given to DRS in the new revision of the PPWR. With this joint letter – signed by 50 European organizations – we comment on the regulation, which consecrates DRS as a solution to increase selective collection, foster reuse and
Read more
Only 50% of cans collected again by 2023, political intervention needed
Press Release: Fair Resource Foundation response to Verpact’s new collection figures on deposit system
Digital deposit: we know little more than we did a year ago
Een jaar geleden kreeg de Belgische industrie de opdracht om te bewijzen dat hun digitaal statiegeld een betere oplossing is tegen zwerfvuil dan het klassieke systeem. We delen onze conclusies over het klankbordgroepproces en over wat de pilots ons hebben geleerd (of niet).
