Topic

Deposit return systems

By 1 January 2029 member states must separately collect at least 90% a year of single-use plastic bottles and metal beverage containers up to three litres, and must set up deposit return systems to do it. A member state can be exempted if it already reaches 80% collection and notifies an implementation plan by 1 January 2028. Where a deposit system operates, retailers in scope handle deposits and take back containers, and packaging must carry the required deposit marking.

What you must do

• Check deposit obligations market by market for your drinks containers.
• Prepare labelling, barcodes and till systems for deposit handling.
• Plan return-point capacity if you sell in store.

Dates that apply

• 1 January 202990% separate collection of drinks containers

Source: Article 50 (deposit and return systems).