Spain prepares deposit return system for plastic bottles and cans

Spain is preparing to implement a Deposit, Return, and Refund System (SDDR) to meet European Union recycling mandates. The system requires consumers to pay a small deposit when purchasing single-use plastic bottles, cans, or cartons, which is then refunded upon returning the empty containers to participating retailers.

This initiative follows a failure to meet 2023 recycling targets, where only 41.3% of plastic bottles were recycled against a 70% goal. The new regulations aim to increase these rates significantly. While the exact launch date in Spain remains subject to logistical agreements between the government and affected sectors, the framework is expected to take effect as early as November.

Mercadona has noted that a similar model is already operational in Portugal, where customers receive a 10-cent refund per container. In the proposed Spanish system, the mechanism would cover plastic bottles up to 3 liters, cans, and cartons, utilizing automated machines in supermarkets to facilitate the return process.