French local officials protest government plastic‑bottle deposit plan

Local elected officials across France walked out of a ministry meeting on the government's proposed deposit scheme for plastic bottles, calling the measure a case of green‑washing. Representatives, including Jean‑François Vigier, mayor of Bures‑sur‑Yvette, warned they would suspend payment of the polluting‑activities tax (TGAP) if the plan proceeds. They argue the proposal would only collect bottles for recycling rather than reducing plastic use, and could redirect €400 million of recycling revenues to large manufacturers. The minister for the ecological transition, Mathieu Lefèvre, expressed regret over the walk‑out and urged dialogue, noting the current collection rate is 58.4 % against the EU target of 90 % and that the deposit system would become mandatory on 1 January 2029 if the target is not met. Environmental NGOs and industry bodies also voiced opposing views, labeling the scheme either insufficiently ambitious or a step toward greater plastic production.