Spain to implement deposit return system for beverage packaging

Spain is preparing to implement a Deposit, Return, and Refund System (SDDR) for beverage packaging to meet European Union recycling targets. Under this model, consumers will pay a small refundable deposit—at least 10 cents per container—when purchasing items such as plastic bottles, cans, or cartons. This amount is not a tax but a deposit that can be fully recovered by returning the empty containers to designated collection points.

The legal framework for this initiative is based on Spanish Royal Decree 1055/2022 and European packaging regulations. While the system is expected to be operational in the coming months, supermarket chain Mercadona has clarified that there is currently no official start date for its implementation. The company stated that the rollout is undergoing exhaustive analysis by the involved sectors to resolve technical and logistical questions.