Serbia to launch beverage container deposit system in 2027, Croatia debates bio‑waste fees

Serbia's Ministry of Environmental Protection plans to introduce a deposit‑refund scheme for single‑use beverage containers starting in 2027. Consumers will pay a 10‑15 dinar deposit per bottle or can, which is fully refunded when the empty container is returned to retailers via collection machines or manually. The system will be financed by producers through fees, with a non‑profit organization handling logistics, tracking, and transparency. The state will act only as regulator, setting the legal framework and overseeing compliance, aiming to raise recycling rates that are currently low.

In Croatia, the public‑service price list for waste collection includes a separate charge for separate bio‑waste collection. Households that opt for this service receive a 40‑liter container and must pay more than €150 per year in addition to the standard mixed‑waste fee. While the law mandates separate bio‑waste collection, the extra fee raises questions about whether it is a voluntary add‑on or an essential part of the public service that should be financed through the general waste tariff.