Netherlands proposes reforms to deposit return system

The Dutch government has proposed new measures to simplify and strengthen the national deposit return system (statiegeldsysteem) to meet European recycling targets. Minister of Climate and Green Growth, Stientje van Veldhoven, submitted a proposal to the House of Representatives aiming to ensure a 90 percent collection rate for plastic bottles and cans by 2029.

Key changes include expanding the deposit requirement to all plastic bottles up to three liters, including dairy and juice bottles, and eliminating the distinction between bottles with and without deposits to provide consumer clarity. The plan also seeks to increase the number of collection points to make returning packaging more convenient and closer to home.

Verpact, the organization responsible for executing the system on behalf of the packaging industry, welcomed the measures. CEO Hester Klein Lankhorst noted that while a balanced collection obligation for retailers is essential for meeting legal targets, the implementation must remain cost-effective and manageable for smaller businesses.