More and more governments in Europe are deciding to introduce deposits on cans and plastic bottles.\u00a0The pace has accelerated since the approval of the European directive on single-use plastics in 2019. The Single Use Plastic Directive (SUPD<\/a>) stipulates that all plastic bottles must contain at least 25%\u00a0recycled content<\/i> by 2025, and that member states must collect 90% of plastic bottles separately by 2029. One Member State after another is therefore deciding to introduce deposits and thus combats litter and plastic pollution. In this article we discuss the decisions of governments and parliaments in European Member States. Today, there are 19 European countries (20 including Greenland) with a deposit.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/fairresourcefoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Map_2026_FRF_EN.png” title_text=”Map_2026_FRF_EN” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”80%” hover_enabled=”0″ border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” z_index=”99″ width_tablet=”90%” width_phone=”90%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” max_width=”80%” max_width_tablet=”90%” max_width_phone=”90%” max_width_last_edited=”on|tablet” overflow-x=”visible” overflow-y=”visible” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”-100px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”4%|5%|0%|5%|false|true” custom_padding_tablet=”7%||||false|true” custom_padding_phone=”10%||||false|true” border_radii=”off||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The first deposit system was introduced in Dublin more than 200 years ago. So it is far from new. Many European countries have been charging deposits on single-use plastic bottles and cans for decades. Those countries have long achieved high collection targets and have clean streets.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/fairresourcefoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/StatiegeldEuropeMap_2025_EN_bef_2016.png” title_text=”StatiegeldEuropeMap_2025_EN_bef_2016″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” z_index=”99″ width_tablet=”90%” width_phone=”90%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” max_width=”80%” max_width_tablet=”90%” max_width_phone=”90%” max_width_last_edited=”on|tablet” overflow-x=”visible” overflow-y=”visible” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”-100px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”4%|5%|0%|5%|false|true” custom_padding_tablet=”7%||||false|true” custom_padding_phone=”10%||||false|true” border_radii=”off||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_background_color=”gcid-5cc9a9f1-1cf6-4e03-9c03-23ab989100e0″ icon_color=”gcid-ef4e245a-162a-48e8-976d-1f0669a09958″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”90%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-ef4e245a-162a-48e8-976d-1f0669a09958%22:%91%22icon_color%22%93,%22gcid-5cc9a9f1-1cf6-4e03-9c03-23ab989100e0%22:%91%22open_toggle_background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”%91DO NOT DELETE%93 Invisible item so all accordeon is closed” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”||||||||” background_color=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ background_enable_color=”on” custom_css_free_form=”selector {|| display: none;||}” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_color_all=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22toggle_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3%22:%91%22border_color_all%22,%22background_color%22%93}” toggle_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ toggle_level=”h2″ toggle_font_size=”1.8vw”][\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Croatia” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”||||||||” background_color=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_color_all=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22toggle_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3%22:%91%22border_color_all%22,%22background_color%22%93}” toggle_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ toggle_level=”h2″ toggle_font_size=”1.8vw” open=”off”]<\/p>\n In Croatia,\u00a0since 2006, there has been a deposit<\/a>\u00a0of 0.5 Croatian Kuna on non-refillable containers with a minimum volume of 200 ml.\u00a0Retailers larger than 200 m\u00b2 are obliged to take back containers.\u00a0The government administers the scheme.\u00a0There is a collection target of 95%.\u00a0Since 2015, deposits have returned 90% of all non-refillable packaging on the Croatian market.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Denmark” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”||||||||” background_color=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_color_all=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22toggle_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3%22:%91%22border_color_all%22,%22background_color%22%93}” toggle_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ toggle_level=”h2″ toggle_font_size=”1.8vw” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Denmark introduced the first national deposit system in 1922. In 1991 and 1993 it expanded to include plastic bottles.\u00a0Dansk Retursystem<\/a>\u00a0, a private non-profit organization manages the system.\u00a0In 2019, the system achieved a total\u00a0efficiency of 92%<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Estonia” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”||||||||” background_color=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_color_all=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22toggle_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3%22:%91%22border_color_all%22,%22background_color%22%93}” toggle_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ toggle_level=”h2″ toggle_font_size=”1.8vw” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Estonia has had a universal deposit and recycling system for single-use and refillable packaging since 2005.\u00a0The deposit is \u20ac0.10 on most metal, plastic and glass beverage containers.\u00a0The system is managed by\u00a0Eesti Pandipakend<\/a>\u00a0, a producer responsibility organization representing the Estonian Association of Brewers, the Association of Producers of Soft Drinks, the Association of Importers of Soft Drinks and Beer and the Estonian Association of Retailers.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Finland” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”||||||||” background_color=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_color_all=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22toggle_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3%22:%91%22border_color_all%22,%22background_color%22%93}” toggle_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ toggle_level=”h2″ toggle_font_size=”1.8vw” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Finland first introduced the deposit system in 1952 on glass bottles \u2013 at the same time as the Summer Olympics that brought Coca-Cola to the country \u2013 in glass bottles.\u00a0In the 1980s, some reusable and sustainable plastic bottles were included in the deposit system.\u00a0Deposits were introduced on aluminum cans in 1996, on PET bottles in 2008 and on recycled glass bottles in 2012.\u00a0Suomen palautuspakkaus Oy<\/a>\u00a0(abbreviated Palpa), a private consortium of beverage importers and manufacturers, runs the system.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Germany” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”||||||||” background_color=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_color_all=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22toggle_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3%22:%91%22border_color_all%22,%22background_color%22%93}” toggle_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ toggle_level=”h2″ toggle_font_size=”1.8vw” open=”off”]<\/p>\n In Germany, the deposit system has been in place\u00a0for seventeen years<\/a>\u00a0, since 2003. There is a deposit on plastic, cans and glass beverage containers.\u00a0The standard deposit amount has been 0.25 euros since 2016. The deposit is higher for disposable packaging than for reusable packaging, such as glass bottles.\u00a097 to 99% of single-use bottles are returned.\u00a0The recycling rate of tin is approximately\u00a099%<\/a>\u00a0.\u00a0In January 2021, the German government of Angela Merkel (CDU \u2013 SPD \u2013 CSU) approved a\u00a0new Packaging Law<\/a>\u00a0,\u00a0Verpackungsgesetz<\/i>\u00a0.\u00a0The deposit on packaging of juices and alcoholic drinks has been in force since January 2022 and will be extended to dairy products in 2024<\/strong>\u00a0.\u00a0Germany has had a deposit ( Pfand<\/i>\u00a0) on plastic bottles and cans\u00a0for a long time , since 2003. But juices, wine and milk were excluded.\u00a0The new Packaging Act therefore only looks at the packaging, and not at what drinks it contains.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Iceland” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”||||||||” background_color=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_color_all=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22toggle_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3%22:%91%22border_color_all%22,%22background_color%22%93}” toggle_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ toggle_level=”h2″ toggle_font_size=”1.8vw” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Iceland has had\u00a0a national-scale deposit system for plastic, aluminum and glass beverage containers\u00a0since 1989 .<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Norway” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”||||||||” background_color=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_color_all=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22toggle_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3%22:%91%22border_color_all%22,%22background_color%22%93}” toggle_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ toggle_level=”h2″ toggle_font_size=”1.8vw” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Norway adopted a deposit law in 1999.\u00a0In 2018, rates increased to NOK 2 for small bottles and cans and NOK 3 for large bottles.\u00a0Infinitum AS<\/a>\u00a0(formerly Norsk Resirk) is responsible for implementing the national recycling program for non-refillable plastic bottles and beverage cans.\u00a0The non-profit organization was founded in 1999. It is owned by companies and organizations in the beverage and food industries.<\/p>\n The Norwegian system works in such a way that the environmental burden decreases as the return increases.\u00a0This means that, for example, a 90 percent return for cans translates into a 90 percent discount on environmental taxes.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Sweden” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”||||||||” background_color=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_color_all=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22toggle_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3%22:%91%22border_color_all%22,%22background_color%22%93}” toggle_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ toggle_level=”h2″ toggle_font_size=”1.8vw” open=”off”]<\/p>\n In Sweden, aluminum cans have had a deposit system since 1984 and PET bottles since 1994. Pantamera<\/a> is responsible for the deposit system for aluminum cans and PET bottles. In January 2025, Sweden\u2019s DRS operator announced that deposit rates will be increasing from 1 SEK to 2 SEK on aluminium cans and small PET bottles, and from 2 to 3 SEK on large PET bottles. The first products will be on store shelves in early September 2025.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” z_index=”99″ width_tablet=”90%” width_phone=”90%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” max_width=”80%” max_width_tablet=”90%” max_width_phone=”90%” max_width_last_edited=”on|tablet” overflow-x=”visible” overflow-y=”visible” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”-100px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”4%|5%|0%|5%|false|true” custom_padding_tablet=”7%||||false|true” custom_padding_phone=”10%||||false|true” border_radii=”off||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The tightening of regulations in Europe, especially on plastic packaging (Single-Use Plastic Directive<\/a>, revision of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation), has led several European countries to also introduce deposits since 2016.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/fairresourcefoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Map_2026_FRF_EN_implemented_since_2016.png” title_text=”Map_2026_FRF_EN_implemented_since_2016″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” z_index=”99″ width_tablet=”90%” width_phone=”90%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” max_width=”80%” max_width_tablet=”90%” max_width_phone=”90%” max_width_last_edited=”on|tablet” overflow-x=”visible” overflow-y=”visible” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”-100px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”4%|5%|0%|5%|false|true” custom_padding_tablet=”7%||||false|true” custom_padding_phone=”10%||||false|true” border_radii=”off||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_background_color=”gcid-5cc9a9f1-1cf6-4e03-9c03-23ab989100e0″ icon_color=”gcid-ef4e245a-162a-48e8-976d-1f0669a09958″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”90%” module_alignment=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-ef4e245a-162a-48e8-976d-1f0669a09958%22:%91%22icon_color%22%93,%22gcid-5cc9a9f1-1cf6-4e03-9c03-23ab989100e0%22:%91%22open_toggle_background_color%22%93}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_accordion_item title=”%91DO NOT DELETE%93 Invisible item so all accordeon is closed” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”||||||||” background_color=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ background_enable_color=”on” custom_css_free_form=”selector {|| display: none;||}” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_color_all=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22toggle_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3%22:%91%22border_color_all%22,%22background_color%22%93}” toggle_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ toggle_level=”h2″ toggle_font_size=”1.8vw”][\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Austria” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”||||||||” background_color=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_color_all=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22toggle_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3%22:%91%22border_color_all%22,%22background_color%22%93}” toggle_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ toggle_level=”h2″ toggle_font_size=”1.8vw” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler\u00a0launched the Austrian government’s\u00a0<\/a>3-point plan<\/a>\u00a0to stop plastic waste\u00a0on September 7, 2020.\u00a0The\u00a0law on single-use packaging<\/a>\u00a0was adopted in October 2021.\u00a0It provides deposits on disposable beverage packaging, PET bottles and cans.<\/p>\n On September 8, 2022, L\u00e9onore Gewessler announced that the deposit will be operational in 2025. The deposit amount will be \u20ac0.25 and will apply to all packaging between 0.1 and 3 liters. There is only one exception, milk, because of the risk of spoilage.\u00a0Austrians will be able to return their empty drinks containers at all points of sale and receive a deposit back.\u00a0This is also possible in train stations and container parks.\u00a0\u201cThe goal is to design the most effective deposit system in all of Europe,\u201d\u00a0said<\/a>\u00a0climate minister Gewessler.<\/p>\n The Austrian government of conservatives and greens also wants to demand that from 2023, i.e. next year, 25% of drinks sold are sold in reusable drinks packaging.\u00a0That figure should rise to 40% in 2025 and 55% in 2030. A Research Affairs\u00a0poll<\/a>\u00a0in August 2020 shows that 81% of Austrians are in favor of a deposit on PET bottles and 76% are in favor of a deposit on cans.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Hungary” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”||||||||” background_color=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_color_all=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22toggle_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3%22:%91%22border_color_all%22,%22background_color%22%93}” toggle_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ toggle_level=”h2″ toggle_font_size=”1.8vw” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Hungary has introduced the deposit system since January 1, 2024<\/strong>. The system is managed by the system administrator MOHU (MOL Hullad\u00e9kgazd\u00e1lkod\u00e1si Zrt.<\/a>).\u00a0The system includes single-use drink packaging in metal, glass and plastic with a capacity of 0.1 liter to 3 liters (excluding dairy products). Consumers pay a 50 Hungarian forint (approximately \u20ac0.13) deposit when purchasing a drink in scope and all points of sale with an area of \u200b\u200bmore than 400 m2 must accept empty packaging. Many other points of sale also participate voluntarily and manually in the take-back system.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Ireland” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”||||||||” background_color=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_color_all=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22toggle_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3%22:%91%22border_color_all%22,%22background_color%22%93}” toggle_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ toggle_level=”h2″ toggle_font_size=”1.8vw” open=”off”]<\/p>\n The Irish government of Conservatives, Christian Democrats, Liberals and Greens announced in September 2020 that deposits will be introduced in the third quarter of 2022. Despite a delay of more than a year in introducing the system, plastic cans and bottles can now also be returned in stores from\u00a0February 1, 2024<\/strong>.\u00a0The system is managed by\u00a0Re-turn<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Latvia” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”||||||||” background_color=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_color_all=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22toggle_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3%22:%91%22border_color_all%22,%22background_color%22%93}” toggle_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ toggle_level=”h2″ toggle_font_size=”1.8vw” open=”off”]<\/p>\n In Latvia, parliament passed the packaging law in October 2019, which plans the introduction of a deposit system.<\/a>\u00a0It started on\u00a0February 1, 2022<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0.\u00a0The deposit system accepts glass, plastic (PET) and metal (can) containers filled with soft drinks, all types of beer and other alcoholic drinks (up to 6%). The system is managed by Depos\u012bta Punkts<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Lithuania” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”||||||||” background_color=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_color_all=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22toggle_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3%22:%91%22border_color_all%22,%22background_color%22%93}” toggle_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ toggle_level=”h2″ toggle_font_size=”1.8vw” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Lithuania voted its deposit legislation for single-use cans and bottles in February 2016. The deposit is the same for all packaging and amounts to \u20ac 0.10 per bottle or can.\u00a0The deposit system is managed by\u00a0U\u017estato Sistemos Administratorius<\/a>.\u00a0The plastic bottle return rate for plastic bottles has been increasing dramatically<\/a>\u00a0: it was 34% before the deposit scheme, 74.3% at the end of 2016, 91.9% at the end of 2017 and\u00a093% in 2018<\/a>.\u00a0Deposits were introduced during the Butkevi\u010dius government, consisting of Socialists, Liberals, Conservatives and Christian Democrats.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Malta” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”||||||||” background_color=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_color_all=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22toggle_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3%22:%91%22border_color_all%22,%22background_color%22%93}” toggle_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ toggle_level=”h2″ toggle_font_size=”1.8vw” open=”off”]<\/p>\n In Malta, the government signed the deposit regulations for beverage containers in 2020.\u00a0The\u00a0start<\/a>\u00a0of the system is expected in 2022, the date will be announced later in the year.\u00a0The system came into effect on\u00a0November 14, 2022<\/a>.\u00a0The deposit is 0.10 euros for all aluminum and steel cans and glass and PET bottles with a capacity of 0.1 to 3 liters.\u00a0Dairy products, fruit juices, wine and alcohol with an alcoholic strength by volume of more than 5.0% are currently exempt from this system.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”The Netherlands” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”||||||||” background_color=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_color_all=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22toggle_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3%22:%91%22border_color_all%22,%22background_color%22%93}” toggle_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ toggle_level=”h2″ toggle_font_size=”1.8vw” open=”off”]<\/p>\n The Dutch\u00a0Rutte III<\/a> government decided in April 2020 that there will be a deposit on all small plastic bottles from July 1, 2021. The government of liberal parties VVD and D66 and Christian Democrats of CDA and CU expanded the existing deposit system on large plastic bottles to all plastic bottles.\u00a0Beverage producers\u00a0Coca-Cola Netherlands<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Spadel Netherlands<\/a>\u00a0have shown their support for the expansion of the system.\u00a0Since the deposit guarantees the quality of the plastic and sufficient recycling of PET,\u00a0Coca-Cola has chosen the Netherlands<\/a>\u00a0as the second country where it will sell 100% recycled plastic bottles.<\/p>\n The instructions quickly gave results in terms of cleanliness. Only six months after the introduction of the deposit on small bottles, the Ministry of Rijkswaterstaat counted a 41 percent<\/a> reduction in small bottles in nature between December 2021 and 2022.<\/p>\n Ultimately, after a unilateral announcement<\/a>\u00a0by the industry, the expansion\u00a0took place on April 1, 2023. The\u00a0impact on litter<\/a> is already proven, in spite of some challenges faced<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Poland” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”||||||||” background_color=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_color_all=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22toggle_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3%22:%91%22border_color_all%22,%22background_color%22%93}” toggle_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ toggle_level=”h2″ toggle_font_size=”1.8vw” open=”off”]<\/p>\n On June 2, 2022, the Polish government decided<\/a> that a deposit will be charged on cans and bottles starting in 2023. According to the Minister of Climate and Environment, this is absolutely necessary in the fight against litter. Since October 1, 2025<\/a>, the deposit system has applied to disposable and reusable glass bottles up to 1.5 liters, PET bottles up to 3 liters, and aluminum cans up to 1 liter. The deposit is 0.5 or 1 z\u0142 (0.12 or 0.23 \u20ac). Shops with a surface area of more than 200 m\u00b2 are obliged to take back deposit bottles. Smaller outlets can participate in the system on a voluntary basis. The system is expected to save 200 million tons of CO2<\/a> and generate \u20ac400 million for the Polish economy over the next decade.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Portugal” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”||||||||” background_color=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ background_enable_color=”on” hover_enabled=”0″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_color_all=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22toggle_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3%22:%91%22border_color_all%22,%22background_color%22%93}” toggle_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ toggle_level=”h2″ toggle_font_size=”1.8vw” open=”off” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n As of April 10, 2026, Portugal has officially launched its deposit return system (DRS) for beverage containers, marking a significant milestone in the country\u2019s commitment to sustainability. Managed by SDR Portugal<\/a>, the system covers plastic and metal containers up to 3 liters, with a deposit value set at \u20ac0.10 per container. Following a 120-day transition period that concluded on August 9, 2026, only SDR-labelled packaging is now permitted for sale. The rollout includes a network of high-volume collection points, kiosks, and retailer return options, ensuring accessibility for consumers nationwide. To support the initiative, SDR Portugal launched a national awareness campaign in January 2026, educating the public about the benefits of the system and how to participate. This move aligns Portugal with other European leaders in promoting recycling and reducing waste, reinforcing the importance of collective action in the race toward a circular economy.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Romania” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”||||||||” background_color=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_color_all=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22toggle_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3%22:%91%22border_color_all%22,%22background_color%22%93}” toggle_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ toggle_level=”h2″ toggle_font_size=”1.8vw” open=”off”]<\/p>\n In October 2021, the Romanian government decided to introduce a deposit system. Since November 30, 2023<\/strong>, packaging can be returned to any point of sale that sells drinks. The deposit is of be 0.50 ron (0.20 euro) and all beverage packaging made of glass, plastic and metal with a volume between 0.1 and 3 liters are included. The system is managed by the RetuRO<\/a> system operator.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Slovakia” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”||||||||” background_color=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_color_all=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22toggle_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3%22:%91%22border_color_all%22,%22background_color%22%93}” toggle_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ toggle_level=”h2″ toggle_font_size=”1.8vw” open=”off”]<\/p>\n In Slovakia, the parliament passed<\/a> a law in September 2019 that introduces a deposit scheme for PET bottles and cans from 2022. All stores with an area of \u200b\u200bmore than 300 square meters need to take back empty packagings. The deposit is \u20ac0.15.\u00a0The operator\u00a0Slovensko z\u00e1lohuje<\/a>\u00a0manages the system.\u00a0It immediately showed impressive results. In just one year<\/a>, the return rate for returnable packaging has risen from 60% to 70%.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” z_index=”99″ width_tablet=”90%” width_phone=”90%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” max_width=”80%” max_width_tablet=”90%” max_width_phone=”90%” max_width_last_edited=”on|tablet” overflow-x=”visible” overflow-y=”visible” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”-100px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”4%|5%|0%|5%|false|true” custom_padding_tablet=”7%||||false|true” custom_padding_phone=”10%||||false|true” border_radii=”off||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Besides actually introducing the system, several countries have also taken important steps in the right direction by voting on its implementation. Those countries\u00a0 then need to prepare for it’s actual introduction: appointment of a system operator, design of the system.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/fairresourcefoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Map_2026_FRF_EN_voted.png” title_text=”Map_2026_FRF_EN_voted” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” z_index=”99″ width_tablet=”90%” width_phone=”90%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” max_width=”80%” max_width_tablet=”90%” max_width_phone=”90%” max_width_last_edited=”on|tablet” overflow-x=”visible” overflow-y=”visible” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”-100px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”4%|5%|0%|5%|false|true” custom_padding_tablet=”7%||||false|true” custom_padding_phone=”10%||||false|true” border_radii=”off||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_background_color=”gcid-5cc9a9f1-1cf6-4e03-9c03-23ab989100e0″ icon_color=”gcid-ef4e245a-162a-48e8-976d-1f0669a09958″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”90%” module_alignment=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-ef4e245a-162a-48e8-976d-1f0669a09958%22:%91%22icon_color%22%93,%22gcid-5cc9a9f1-1cf6-4e03-9c03-23ab989100e0%22:%91%22open_toggle_background_color%22%93}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_accordion_item title=”%91DO NOT DELETE%93 Invisible item so all accordeon is closed” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”||||||||” background_color=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ background_enable_color=”on” custom_css_free_form=”selector {|| display: none;||}” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_color_all=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22toggle_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3%22:%91%22border_color_all%22,%22background_color%22%93}” toggle_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ toggle_level=”h2″ toggle_font_size=”1.8vw”][\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Czech Republic” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”||||||||” background_color=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_color_all=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22toggle_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3%22:%91%22border_color_all%22,%22background_color%22%93}” toggle_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ toggle_level=”h2″ toggle_font_size=”1.8vw” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Czech republic is planning<\/a> the introduction of a deposit for plastic bottles and cans. The system will cover an estimated 1.8 billion PET bottles and 0.8 billion cans yearly, 3 out of 4 currently not being sorted. The system should be operating mid-2025. However, the system operator still must be appointed.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Greece” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”||||||||” background_color=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_color_all=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22toggle_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3%22:%91%22border_color_all%22,%22background_color%22%93}” toggle_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ toggle_level=”h2″ toggle_font_size=”1.8vw” open=”off”]<\/p>\n In May 2021, the Eunomia research group and the Association of Greek Packaging Manufacturers called on the Greek government to\u00a0introduce a deposit system in the country<\/a>.\u00a0Greece has committed\u00a0to introducing a\u00a0national deposit system from July, 2023<\/a>, as part of the new national legislation on waste, recycling and circular economy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Luxembourg” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”||||||||” background_color=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_color_all=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22toggle_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3%22:%91%22border_color_all%22,%22background_color%22%93}” toggle_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ toggle_level=”h2″ toggle_font_size=”1.8vw” open=”off”]<\/p>\n The Luxembourg parliament\u00a0approved the\u00a0<\/a>deposit law<\/a>\u00a0on May 5, 2022\u00a0.\u00a0There will be one national deposit system for all beverage packaging placed on the Luxembourg market.\u00a0The deposit amount varies from 10 cents to 1 euro, depending on the type of packaging.\u00a0The amount of the deposit per type of beverage packaging, the detailed timetable for its introduction and the requirements for the organization of the sector are specified in a Grand Ducal Regulation.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Slovenia” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”||||||||” background_color=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_color_all=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22toggle_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3%22:%91%22border_color_all%22,%22background_color%22%93}” toggle_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ toggle_level=”h2″ toggle_font_size=”1.8vw” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Slovenian Environment Minister Andrej Vizjak supported environmental NGO Eko Krog’s proposal to introduce a deposit system in 2021.\u00a0The association of beverage manufacturers supports the proposal because the system will ensure better separate collection of beverage bottles.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Spain” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”||||||||” background_color=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_color_all=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22toggle_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3%22:%91%22border_color_all%22,%22background_color%22%93}” toggle_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ toggle_level=”h2″ toggle_font_size=”1.8vw” open=”off”]<\/p>\n The Spanish Packaging and Packaging Waste Decree (<\/span>1055\/2022<\/span><\/a>) stipulated that Spain would have to introduce a deposit system if it failed to reach 70% of separate collection of plastic bottles by 2023. With rates close to 41%, the Spanish government <\/span>announced<\/span><\/a> in November 2024 that the system would start within two years. <\/span>Plastic bottles,<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0but also\u00a0<\/span>cans <\/span><\/strong>and beverage cartons<\/span><\/strong> (such as TetraPak ) will be part of the system.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”United Kingdom” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”||||||||” background_color=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_color_all=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22toggle_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3%22:%91%22border_color_all%22,%22background_color%22%93}” toggle_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ toggle_level=”h2″ toggle_font_size=”1.8vw” open=”off”]<\/p>\n At the level of the United Kingdom,\u00a0the government<\/a>\u00a0of Theresa May (Conservatives) announced a deposit scheme for drinks containers in March 2018.\u00a0The Blue Planet II series had brought attention to the threat of ocean pollution.\u00a0In July 2019, the British government\u00a0stated<\/a>\u00a0that it is targeting 2023 to have a fully functioning deposit system.\u00a0A\u00a0poll<\/a>\u00a0by Populus in June 2020 shows that 84% of Britons are in favor of a deposit on all drinks packaging.<\/p>\n In\u00a0January 2023,\u00a0<\/strong>details<\/a> of the introduction of the deposit system in the United Kingdom, Wales and Northern Ireland were revealed. The systems in each region must be in place by October 1, 2025. All PET bottles and aluminum and steel cans will be included in the system (between 50 ml and 3 liters). The points of sale must take back the packaging placed on the market (take-back obligation). The system operator was appointed in May 2025<\/a>.<\/p>\n In November 2024, Wales<\/strong> withdrew from discussions on the introduction of a common system throughout the UK, mainly due to differences over the inclusion of glass packaging in the system. The government is now working to its own timetable, with consultations scheduled for 2025.<\/p>\n The government of\u00a0Scotland<\/b>\u00a0led by Nicola Sturgeon of the Scottish National Party announced in May 2019 the plan to\u00a0introduce<\/a> deposits on plastic bottles, glass bottles and cans.\u00a0The Scottish Parliament\u00a0voted in favor<\/a> of the deposit scheme in May 2020. The system covers all drinks sold in PET plastic, metal and glass. There will be a fixed deposit of\u00a020 pence<\/a> (0.23 euros) for all formats. The introduction of the system should be aligned with the rest of the UK, following Stakeholders’ discussions scheduled in spring 2025.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” z_index=”99″ width_tablet=”90%” width_phone=”90%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” max_width=”80%” max_width_tablet=”90%” max_width_phone=”90%” max_width_last_edited=”on|tablet” overflow-x=”visible” overflow-y=”visible” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”-100px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”4%|5%|0%|5%|false|true” custom_padding_tablet=”7%||||false|true” custom_padding_phone=”10%||||false|true” border_radii=”off||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n As time passes, the number of countries discussing deposits without having introduced them decreases. These countries are also separate from those that have introduced this measure for collecting disposable packaging. This is the case of France, Italy, Belgium and Serbia.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/fairresourcefoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/StatiegeldEuropeMap_2025_EN_V2_discussed.png” title_text=”StatiegeldEuropeMap_2025_EN_discussed” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” z_index=”99″ width_tablet=”90%” width_phone=”90%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” max_width=”80%” max_width_tablet=”90%” max_width_phone=”90%” max_width_last_edited=”on|tablet” overflow-x=”visible” overflow-y=”visible” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”-100px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”4%|5%|0%|5%|false|true” custom_padding_tablet=”7%||||false|true” custom_padding_phone=”10%||||false|true” border_radii=”off||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_background_color=”gcid-5cc9a9f1-1cf6-4e03-9c03-23ab989100e0″ icon_color=”gcid-ef4e245a-162a-48e8-976d-1f0669a09958″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”90%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-ef4e245a-162a-48e8-976d-1f0669a09958%22:%91%22icon_color%22%93,%22gcid-5cc9a9f1-1cf6-4e03-9c03-23ab989100e0%22:%91%22open_toggle_background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”%91DO NOT DELETE%93 Invisible item so all accordeon is closed” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”||||||||” background_color=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ background_enable_color=”on” custom_css_free_form=”selector {|| display: none;||}” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_color_all=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22toggle_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3%22:%91%22border_color_all%22,%22background_color%22%93}” toggle_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ toggle_level=”h2″ toggle_font_size=”1.8vw”][\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Belgium” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”||||||||” background_color=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_color_all=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22toggle_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3%22:%91%22border_color_all%22,%22background_color%22%93}” toggle_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ toggle_level=”h2″ toggle_font_size=”1.8vw” open=”off”]<\/p>\n In Belgium there is a deposit on some reusable glass bottles, such as for beer.\u00a0The\u00a0debate about the introduction of deposits<\/a>\u00a0on cans and plastic bottles has been going on for more than ten years.\u00a0In Belgium, deposits are the responsibility of the regions of Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia.\u00a0In 2018, the industry was given a\u00a0last chance<\/a>\u00a0to tackle the growing litter with awareness and fines.\u00a0However, the amount\u00a0of litter is<\/a>\u00a0still growing.<\/p>\n In 2017 and 2018, hundreds of municipalities, companies and organizations joined the\u00a0Deposit Alliance<\/a>, which asks regional governments to quickly introduce deposits for all cans and plastic bottles. In 2019, the new governments of\u00a0Flanders,<\/a>\u00a0Brussels<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Wallonia<\/a> wrote the possible introduction of deposits in their coalition agreements. In 2021, more than 100 Walloon municipalities<\/a> and 200 Flemish municipalities<\/a> were already part of the Deposit Alliance. Walloon Environment Minister C\u00e9line Tellier (Ecolo) launched a study into the implementation of deposits in 2022. In the summer of 2022, the municipality of Bredene conducted a successful pilot project with deposits<\/a>.\u00a0On September 6, 2022, the Environment Minister of Flanders, Zuhal Demir (N-VA), said that\u00a0deposits are unavoidable<\/a>\u00a0and that the Flemish government will decide in 2022 based on the latest figures on litter.<\/p>\n The\u00a0new accreditation 2024-2028<\/a> of the PRO responsible for household waste management (Fost Plus) provides for the introduction of a deposit system for all cans and bottles, under cover of an agreement between the three regions (article 2).<\/p>\n The 2024 coalition agreements of Wallonia<\/a> and Flanders<\/a> do not mention the introduction of a deposit in Belgium, in spite of the strong positioning of Walloon coalition partner Les Engag\u00e9s and Flemish coalition partners CD&V and Vooruit. The preparatory work for the introduction of a deposit<\/a> is our continuing within the Interregional Packaging Commission, in charge of the coordinated packaging and waste management for the whole of Belgium.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”France” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”||||||||” background_color=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_color_all=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22toggle_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3%22:%91%22border_color_all%22,%22background_color%22%93}” toggle_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ toggle_level=”h2″ toggle_font_size=”1.8vw” open=”off”]<\/p>\n In France,\u00a0Minister Brune Poirson (of the liberal party En Marche)\u00a0stated on July 10, 2019 that the French government wants to introduce deposits on plastic bottles and cans.\u00a0<\/a>She received\u00a0the support<\/a>\u00a0of French supermarkets and beverage manufacturers, including multinationals that are also active in Belgium and the Netherlands.\u00a0Due to pressure from conservative mayors in the French Senate, the project has been postponed until 2023. The introduction of a DRS for reusable drinks has been announced in July 2023, a decree proposition<\/a> is currently discussed in the Parliament. At the same time, DRS for recycling has been postponed by the previous Minister of the Environment Christophe B\u00e9chu in September 2023<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Italy” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”||||||||” background_color=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_color_all=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22toggle_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3%22:%91%22border_color_all%22,%22background_color%22%93}” toggle_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ toggle_level=”h2″ toggle_font_size=”1.8vw” open=”off”]<\/p>\n A partnership of non-governmental organizations National Association of Comuni Virtuosi, Greenpeace Italia, Oxfam, WWF Italia and Zero Waste Italy, has\u00a0joined forces<\/a> to support the introduction of a mandatory national deposit system for beverage packaging in Italy. The campaign, entitled “Buon Rendere \u2013 molto pi\u00f9 di un vuoto<\/a>“, is the first national initiative for a deposit system in Italy.\u00a0In November 2021, they made a joint appeal to the Draghi government and to Roberto Cingolani, the Italian Minister for Ecological Transition, to accelerate the introduction of an effective deposit system in the country.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Serbia” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”||||||||” background_color=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_color_all=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22toggle_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3%22:%91%22border_color_all%22,%22background_color%22%93}” toggle_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ toggle_level=”h2″ toggle_font_size=”1.8vw” open=”off”]<\/p>\n The director of the Serbian Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), Filip Radovi\u0107, has announced that the introduction of a deposit system in Serbia to regulate the return and disposal of packaging waste could be discussed in 2019.\u00a0Although the topic of deposits has been on the table for many years, no decision has been made so far.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” z_index=”99″ width_tablet=”90%” width_phone=”90%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” max_width=”80%” max_width_tablet=”90%” max_width_phone=”90%” max_width_last_edited=”on|tablet” overflow-x=”visible” overflow-y=”visible” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”-100px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”4%|5%|0%|5%|false|true” custom_padding_tablet=”7%||||false|true” custom_padding_phone=”10%||||false|true” border_radii=”off||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n We can therefore speak of a real race for deposits.\u00a0The debate about plastic pollution is happening everywhere.\u00a0The Member States of the European Union are working hard on legislation to do something about it.\u00a0The pace varies from country to country, but the direction is the same.<\/p>\n The popularity of deposits is also increasing at the borders of the European Union.\u00a0In January 2019,\u00a0Turkey\u00a0<\/b>decided<\/a>\u00a0to introduce a deposit on all beverage containers within four years.\u00a0With 80 million inhabitants, Turkey will be the second largest deposit country in the world after Germany.<\/p>\n As part of the revision of the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation<\/a> (PPWR), the mandatory introduction of a deposit by 2029 is being discussed, along with essential features. This obligation would apply to all countries failing to achieve a certain return rate. 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More and more governments in Europe are deciding to introduce deposits on cans and plastic bottles.\u00a0The pace has accelerated since the approval of the European directive on single-use plastics in 2019. The Single Use Plastic Directive (SUPD) stipulates that all plastic bottles must contain at least 25%\u00a0recycled content by 2025, and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":23946942,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":" [et_pb_section][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\"][et_pb_text]<\/p> Last modified: February 2024.<\/em><\/p> More and more governments in Europe are deciding to introduce deposits on cans and plastic bottles.\u00a0The pace has accelerated since the approval of the European directive on single-use plastics in 2019. The Single Use Plastic Directive (SUPD<\/a>) stipulates that all plastic bottles must contain at least 25%\u00a0recycled content<\/i> by 2025, and that member states must collect 90% of plastic bottles separately by 2029. One Member State after another is therefore deciding to introduce deposits and thus combats litter and plastic pollution.\u00a0In this article we discuss the decisions of governments and parliaments in European Member States.<\/p>[caption id=\"attachment_23154\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"489\"] Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler\u00a0launched the Austrian government's\u00a0<\/a>3-point plan<\/a>\u00a0to stop plastic waste\u00a0on September 7, 2020\u00a0 .\u00a0The\u00a0law on single-use packaging<\/a>\u00a0was adopted in October 2021.\u00a0It provides deposits on disposable beverage packaging, PET bottles and cans.<\/p> On September 8, 2022, L\u00e9onore Gewessler announced that the deposit will be operational in 2025. The deposit amount will be \u20ac0.25 and will apply to all packaging between 0.1 and 3 liters. There is only one exception, milk, because of the risk of spoilage.\u00a0Austrians will be able to return their empty drinks containers at all points of sale and receive a deposit back.\u00a0This is also possible in train stations and container parks.\u00a0\u201cThe goal is to design the most effective deposit system in all of Europe,\u201d\u00a0said<\/a>\u00a0climate minister Gewessler.<\/p> The Austrian government of conservatives and greens also wants to demand that from 2023, i.e. next year, 25% of drinks sold are sold in reusable drinks packaging.\u00a0That figure should rise to 40% in 2025 and 55% in 2030. A Research Affairs\u00a0poll<\/a>\u00a0in August 2020 shows that 81% of Austrians are in favor of a deposit on PET bottles and 76% are in favor of a deposit on cans.<\/p> Hungary has introduced the deposit system since January 1, 2024<\/strong>. The system is managed by the system administrator MOHU (MOL Hullad\u00e9kgazd\u00e1lkod\u00e1si Zrt.<\/a>).\u00a0The system includes single-use drink packaging in metal, glass and plastic with a capacity of 0.1 liter to 3 liters (excluding dairy products). Consumers pay a 50 Hungarian forint (approximately \u20ac0.13) deposit when purchasing a drink in scope and all points of sale with an area of \u200b\u200bmore than 400 m2 must accept empty packaging. Many other points of sale also participate voluntarily and manually in the take-back system.<\/p> The Irish government of Conservatives, Christian Democrats, Liberals and Greens announced in September 2020 that deposits will be introduced in the third quarter of 2022. Despite a delay of more than a year in introducing the system, plastic cans and bottles can now also be returned in stores from\u00a0February 1, 2024<\/strong>\u00a0.\u00a0The system is managed by\u00a0Re-turn<\/a>\u00a0.<\/p> The Luxembourg parliament\u00a0approved the\u00a0<\/a>deposit law<\/a>\u00a0on May 5, 2022\u00a0.\u00a0There will be one national deposit system for all beverage packaging placed on the Luxembourg market.\u00a0The deposit amount varies from 10 cents to 1 euro, depending on the type of packaging.\u00a0The amount of the deposit per type of beverage packaging, the detailed timetable for its introduction and the requirements for the organization of the sector are specified in a Grand Ducal Regulation.<\/p> In Latvia, parliament passed the packaging law in October 2019, which plans the introduction of a deposit system.<\/a>\u00a0It started on\u00a0February 1, 2022<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0.\u00a0The deposit system accepts glass, plastic (PET) and metal (can) containers filled with soft drinks, all types of beer and other alcoholic drinks (up to 6%). The system is managed by Depos\u012bta Punkts<\/a>.<\/p> Lithuania voted its deposit legislation for single-use cans and bottles in February 2016. The deposit is the same for all packaging and amounts to \u20ac 0.10 per bottle or can.\u00a0The deposit system is managed by\u00a0U\u017estato Sistemos Administratorius<\/a>.\u00a0The plastic bottle return rate for plastic bottles has been increasing dramatically<\/a>\u00a0: it was 34% before the deposit scheme, 74.3% at the end of 2016, 91.9% at the end of 2017 and\u00a093% in 2018<\/a>.\u00a0Deposits were introduced during the Butkevi\u010dius government, consisting of Socialists, Liberals, Conservatives and Christian Democrats.<\/p> In Malta, the government signed the deposit regulations for beverage containers in 2020.\u00a0The\u00a0start<\/a>\u00a0of the system is expected in 2022, the date will be announced later in the year.\u00a0The system came into effect on\u00a0November 14, 2022<\/a>.\u00a0The deposit is 0.10 euros for all aluminum and steel cans and glass and PET bottles with a capacity of 0.1 to 3 liters.\u00a0Dairy products, fruit juices, wine and alcohol with an alcoholic strength by volume of more than 5.0% are currently exempt from this system.<\/p> The Dutch\u00a0Rutte III<\/a> government decided in April 2020 that there will be a deposit on all small plastic bottles from July 1, 2021. The government of liberal parties VVD and D66 and Christian Democrats of CDA and CU expanded the existing deposit system on large plastic bottles to all plastic bottles.\u00a0Beverage producers\u00a0Coca-Cola Netherlands<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Spadel Netherlands<\/a>\u00a0have shown their support for the expansion of the system.\u00a0Since the deposit guarantees the quality of the plastic and sufficient recycling of PET,\u00a0Coca-Cola has chosen the Netherlands<\/a>\u00a0as the second country where it will sell 100% recycled plastic bottles.<\/p> The instructions quickly gave results in terms of cleanliness. Only six months after the introduction of the deposit on small bottles, the Ministry of Rijkswaterstaat counted a 41 percent<\/a> reduction in small bottles in nature between December 2021 and 2022.<\/p> Ultimately, after a unilateral announcement<\/a>\u00a0by the industry, the expansion\u00a0took place on April 1, 2023. The\u00a0impact on litter<\/a> is already proven, in spite of some challenges faced<\/a>.<\/p> The government of Poland\u00a0decided<\/a>\u00a0on June 2, 2022 that there will be a deposit on cans and bottles next year.\u00a0The deposit system applies to disposable and reusable glass bottles up to 1.5 liters, PET bottles up to 3 liters and aluminum cans up to 1 liter.\u00a0There will be a take-back obligation for stores of more than 100 m\u00b2.\u00a0Smaller outlets will be able to join the system voluntarily.<\/p> In October 2021, the Romanian government decided to introduce a deposit system. Since November 30, 2023<\/strong>, packaging can be returned to any point of sale that sells drinks. The deposit is of be 0.50 ron (0.20 euro) and all beverage packaging made of glass, plastic and metal with a volume between 0.1 and 3 liters are included.<\/p> In Slovakia, the parliament passed<\/a> a law in September 2019 that introduces a deposit scheme for PET bottles and cans from 2022. All stores with an area of \u200b\u200bmore than 300 square meters need to take back empty packagings. The deposit is \u20ac0.15.\u00a0The operator\u00a0Slovensko z\u00e1lohuje<\/a>\u00a0manages the system.\u00a0It immediately showed impressive results. In just one year<\/a>, the return rate for returnable packaging has risen from 60% to 70%.<\/p> In Belgium there is a deposit on some reusable glass bottles, such as for beer.\u00a0The\u00a0debate about the introduction of deposits<\/a>\u00a0on cans and plastic bottles has been going on for more than ten years.\u00a0In Belgium, deposits are the responsibility of the regions of Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia.\u00a0In 2018, the industry was given a\u00a0last chance<\/a>\u00a0to tackle the growing litter with awareness and fines.\u00a0However, the amount\u00a0of litter is<\/a>\u00a0still growing.<\/p> In 2017 and 2018, hundreds of municipalities, companies and organizations joined the\u00a0Deposit Alliance<\/a>, which asks regional governments to quickly introduce deposits for all cans and plastic bottles. In 2019, the new governments of\u00a0Flanders,<\/a>\u00a0Brussels<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Wallonia<\/a> wrote the possible introduction of deposits in their coalition agreements. In 2021, more than 100 Walloon municipalities<\/a> and 200 Flemish municipalities<\/a> are part of the Deposit Alliance. The opposition parties in Flanders (Vooruit and Groen) and Wallonia (Les Engag\u00e9s) put proposals on the table of their respective parliaments to introduce such a system. Walloon Environment Minister C\u00e9line Tellier (Ecolo) launched a study into the implementation of deposits in 2022. In the summer of 2022, the municipality of Bredene conducted a successful pilot project with deposits<\/a>.\u00a0On September 6, 2022, the Environment Minister of Flanders, Zuhal Demir (N-VA), said that\u00a0deposits are unavoidable<\/a>\u00a0and that the Flemish government will decide in 2022 based on the latest figures on litter.<\/p> The\u00a0new accreditation 2024-2028<\/a> of the PRO responsible for household waste management (Fost Plus) provides for the introduction of a deposit system for all cans and bottles, under cover of an agreement between the three regions (article 2).<\/p> In May 2021, the Eunomia research group and the Association of Greek Packaging Manufacturers called on the Greek government to\u00a0introduce a deposit system in the country<\/a>.\u00a0Greece has committed\u00a0to introducing a\u00a0national deposit system from July, 2023<\/a>, as part of the new national legislation on waste, recycling and circular economy.<\/p> In France,\u00a0Minister Brune Poirson (of the liberal party En Marche)\u00a0stated on July 10, 2019 that the French government wants to introduce deposits on plastic bottles and cans.\u00a0<\/a>She received\u00a0the support<\/a>\u00a0of French supermarkets and beverage manufacturers, including multinationals that are also active in Belgium and the Netherlands.\u00a0Due to pressure from conservative mayors in the French Senate, the project has been postponed until 2023. The introduction of a DRS for reusable drinks has been announced in July 2023, a decree proposition<\/a> is currently discussed in the Parliament. At the same time, DRS for recycling has been postponed by the previous Minister of the Environment Christophe B\u00e9chu in September 2023<\/a>.<\/p> A partnership of non-governmental organizations National Association of Comuni Virtuosi, Greenpeace Italia, Oxfam, WWF Italia and Zero Waste Italy, has\u00a0joined forces<\/a>\u00a0to support the introduction of a mandatory national deposit system for beverage packaging in Italy.\u00a0The campaign, entitled \u201c\u00a0Buon Rendere \u2013 molto pi\u00f9 di un vuoto<\/a>\u00a0\u201c, is the first national initiative for a deposit system in Italy.\u00a0In November 2021, they made a joint appeal to the Draghi government and to Roberto Cingolani, the Italian Minister for Ecological Transition, to accelerate the introduction of an effective deposit system in the country.<\/p> A pilot project for a nationwide deposit system was launched in Portugal in March 2020 with the support of the Portuguese food industry and beverage manufacturers.\u00a0The government has introduced the legal decree providing for the introduction of a deposit system by 2022. However, no decision has yet been made on the practical aspects of this introduction.\u00a0The Marine Environment Research Association has launched a petition asking the government to introduce the deposit system quickly and effectively.<\/p> The director of the Serbian Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), Filip Radovi\u0107, has announced that the introduction of a deposit system in Serbia to regulate the return and disposal of packaging waste could be discussed in 2019.\u00a0Although the topic of deposits has been on the table for many years, no decision has been made so far.<\/p> Slovenian Environment Minister Andrej Vizjak supported environmental NGO Eko Krog's proposal to introduce a deposit system in 2021.\u00a0The association of beverage manufacturers supports the proposal because the system will ensure better separate collection of beverage bottles.<\/p> In Spain, in December 2021, a large majority<\/a>\u00a0of Congress\u00a0voted in favor of the\u00a0Ley de residuos,<\/i>\u00a0the law introducing deposits.\u00a0The law is now on the table of the Senate.<\/p> At the level of the United Kingdom,\u00a0the government<\/a>\u00a0of Theresa May (Conservatives) announced a deposit scheme for drinks containers in March 2018.\u00a0The Blue Planet II series had brought attention to the threat of ocean pollution.\u00a0In July 2019, the British government\u00a0stated<\/a>\u00a0that it is targeting 2023 to have a fully functioning deposit system.\u00a0A\u00a0poll<\/a>\u00a0by Populus in June 2020 shows that 84% of Britons are in favor of a deposit on all drinks packaging.<\/p> The government of\u00a0Scotland<\/b>\u00a0led by Nicola Sturgeon of the Scottish National Party announced in May 2019 the plan to\u00a0introduce<\/a>\u00a0deposits on plastic bottles, glass bottles and cans .\u00a0The Scottish Parliament\u00a0voted in favor<\/a>\u00a0of the deposit scheme in May 2020. It is scheduled to start in August 2023. The system covers all drinks sold in PET plastic, metal and glass.\u00a0There will be a fixed deposit of\u00a020 pence<\/a>\u00a0(0.23 euros) for all formats.<\/p> In\u00a0January 2023,\u00a0<\/strong>details<\/a>\u00a0of the introduction of the deposit system in the United Kingdom, Wales and Northern Ireland\u00a0were revealed.\u00a0The systems in each region must be in place by October 1, 2025.\u00a0All PET bottles and aluminum and steel cans will be included in the system (between 50 ml and 3 liters).\u00a0Glass bottles will only be included in the Welsh system.\u00a0The points of sale must take back the packaging placed on the market (take-back obligation).<\/p> In Croatia,\u00a0since 2006, there has been a deposit<\/a>\u00a0of 0.5 Croatian Kuna on non-refillable containers with a minimum volume of 200 ml.\u00a0Retailers larger than 200 m\u00b2 are obliged to take back containers.\u00a0The government administers the scheme.\u00a0There is a collection target of 95%.\u00a0Since 2015, deposits have returned 90% of all non-refillable packaging on the Croatian market.<\/p> Denmark introduced the first national deposit system in 1922. In 1991 and 1993 it expanded to include plastic bottles.\u00a0Dansk Retursystem<\/a>\u00a0, a private non-profit organization manages the system.\u00a0In 2019, the system achieved a total\u00a0efficiency of 92%<\/a>.<\/p> Estonia has had a universal deposit and recycling system for single-use and refillable packaging since 2005.\u00a0The deposit is \u20ac0.10 on most metal, plastic and glass beverage containers.\u00a0The system is managed by\u00a0Eesti Pandipakend<\/a>\u00a0, a producer responsibility organization representing the Estonian Association of Brewers, the Association of Producers of Soft Drinks, the Association of Importers of Soft Drinks and Beer and the Estonian Association of Retailers.<\/p> Finland first introduced the deposit system in 1952 on glass bottles \u2013 at the same time as the Summer Olympics that brought Coca-Cola to the country \u2013 in glass bottles.\u00a0In the 1980s, some reusable and sustainable plastic bottles were included in the deposit system.\u00a0Deposits were introduced on aluminum cans in 1996, on PET bottles in 2008 and on recycled glass bottles in 2012.\u00a0Suomen palautuspakkaus Oy<\/a>\u00a0(abbreviated Palpa), a private consortium of beverage importers and manufacturers, runs the system.<\/p> In Germany, the deposit system has been in place\u00a0for seventeen years<\/a>\u00a0, since 2003. There is a deposit on plastic, cans and glass beverage containers.\u00a0The standard deposit amount has been 0.25 euros since 2016. The deposit is higher for disposable packaging than for reusable packaging, such as glass bottles.\u00a097 to 99% of single-use bottles are returned.\u00a0The recycling rate of tin is approximately\u00a099%<\/a>\u00a0.\u00a0In January 2021, the German government of Angela Merkel (CDU \u2013 SPD \u2013 CSU) approved a\u00a0new Packaging Law<\/a>\u00a0,\u00a0Verpackungsgesetz<\/i>\u00a0.\u00a0The deposit on packaging of juices and alcoholic drinks has been in force since January 2022 and will be extended to dairy products in 2024<\/strong>\u00a0.\u00a0Germany has had a deposit ( Pfand<\/i>\u00a0) on plastic bottles and cans\u00a0for a long time , since 2003. But juices, wine and milk were excluded.\u00a0The new Packaging Act therefore only looks at the packaging, and not at what drinks it contains.<\/p> Iceland has had\u00a0a national-scale deposit system for plastic, aluminum and glass beverage containers\u00a0since 1989 .<\/a><\/p> Norway adopted a deposit law in 1999.\u00a0In 2018, rates increased to NOK 2 for small bottles and cans and NOK 3 for large bottles.\u00a0Infinitum AS<\/a>\u00a0(formerly Norsk Resirk) is responsible for implementing the national recycling program for non-refillable plastic bottles and beverage cans.\u00a0The non-profit organization was founded in 1999. It is owned by companies and organizations in the beverage and food industries.<\/p> The Norwegian system works in such a way that the environmental burden decreases as the return increases.\u00a0This means that, for example, a 90 percent return for cans translates into a 90 percent discount on environmental taxes.<\/p> In Sweden, aluminum cans have had a deposit system since 1984 and PET bottles since 1994. Pantamera<\/a> is responsible for the deposit system for aluminum cans and PET bottles.<\/p> We can therefore speak of a real race for deposits.\u00a0The debate about plastic pollution is happening everywhere.\u00a0The Member States of the European Union are working hard on legislation to do something about it.\u00a0The pace varies from country to country, but the direction is the same.<\/p> The popularity of deposits is also increasing at the borders of the European Union.\u00a0In January 2019,\u00a0Turkey\u00a0<\/b>decided<\/a>\u00a0to introduce a deposit on all beverage containers within four years.\u00a0With 80 million inhabitants, Turkey will be the second largest deposit country in the world after Germany.<\/p>8 countries that have deposits for a long time<\/h2>\n
<\/h3>\n
System introduced in 11 countries since 2016<\/h2>\n
A transition period is planned, and the system should be fully operational in the course of 2026.<\/p>\nPlanned introduction in 6 countries\/areas<\/h2>\n
Discussions in 4 countries<\/h2>\n
The race towards deposits\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n
Related Tags<\/h3>\n
More on this topic<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/recyclingnetwerk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/StatiegeldEuropeMap_2024EN-489x500.png\")
Figure 1 - European countries where Return to retail-DRS has been introduced, voted on or is being discussed<\/em>.[\/caption]Decisions in 11 European countries since 2016<\/b><\/h2>
Austria<\/b><\/h3>
Hungary<\/h3>
Ireland<\/b><\/h3>
Luxembourg<\/b><\/h3>
Latvia<\/b><\/h3>
Lithuania\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>
Malta<\/b><\/h3>
The Netherlands\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>
Poland<\/b><\/h3>
Romania<\/b><\/h3>
Slovakia<\/b><\/h3>
Government statements and debates in 9 European countries\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>
Belgium<\/b><\/h3>
Greece<\/b><\/h3>
France\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>
Italy\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>
Portugal\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>
Serbia<\/strong><\/h3>
Slovenia<\/b><\/h3>
Spain<\/b><\/h3>
United Kingdom<\/b><\/h3>
Eight European countries that have had deposits for some time<\/b><\/h2>
Croatia\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>
Denmark\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>
Estonia\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>
Finland<\/b><\/h3>
Germany\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>
Iceland<\/b><\/h3>
Norway\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>
Sweden\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>
The race for deposits\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>