News item | 27-11-2025 | 15:15
In the fight against litter and to tackle the problems surrounding deposits, a substantial package will be introduced with numerous measures. For example, there will be thousands of additional places where people can return bottles and cans, extra money to prevent broken rubbish bins, faster repairs of broken collection devices and positive reward campaigns for returners. The goal: less litter on the street and a better-functioning deposit system in which more is collected. Verpact has drawn up this comprehensive approach at the express request of State Secretary Thierry Aartsen (Public Transport and Environment) and presented it to the State Secretary today.
Aartsen is pleased that, after intensive discussions in recent weeks, we have managed to arrive at a significant package of measures to tackle dirt and litter: “We still see too many problems surrounding the deposit system. Too few return points, broken bins and rubbish in supermarkets and on the street. That really needs to be improved. These problems are now being tackled firmly with this plan. I am also pleased that an increase in the deposit amount has been canceled.”
Verpact is the organization that is legally responsible on behalf of the packaging industry for the design and functioning of the deposit system. The organization has an obligation to collect 90% of all plastic bottles and cans. Because they still do not achieve that percentage, the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) has already imposed various Penalty Charges (LODs) on Verpact.
Aartsen: “Just like the ILT, I just want this to be resolved and I want a well-functioning system. We all still see too many problems. Verpact has delivered a nice and ambitious plan. I am confident that this will address the shortcomings in the system and that they will achieve the 90% collection.”
The measures that Verpact takes
Verpact has drawn up a total package of measures. Together they must ensure:
- that bottles and cans can be returned in many more places;
- that litter from broken waste bins is tackled (together with municipalities);
- and that the statutory collection target of 90% is achieved.
A selection of the measures that Verpact will take to achieve this:
- 2,900 additional collection points in supermarkets (7,600 now to 10,500 by the end of 2026);
- 223 additional bulk collection points (from 77, aiming for 300);
- Triple the number of return shops (to 60 items);
- 10 special return kiosks in major cities;
- 5,000 additional donation points for charity (from 22,000 to 27,000);
- Doubling the number of collection points at events and festivals;
- All this should make it easier to return your bottles and cans, without long lines;
- Verpact is allocating at least €5 million for a special approach against broken rubbish bins in large cities;
- Verpact will also work with municipalities in other places, for example on donation rings where people can leave their bottles and cans at waste bins, or another tailor-made solution.
- Damaged or dented cans will soon be accepted more easily than spit out by the vast majority of devices;
- Defective devices are repaired twice as quickly;
- There will be an app in which people can check where the nearest (working) return point is and report non-working machines;
- There will be reward promotions so that people who hand in bottles and cans can win prizes;
- Verpact reports to the ministry several times a year on the progress of the Total Approach and is publicly accountable for results and finances twice a year.
All this should ensure higher collection, less litter and less mess and queues in the supermarket.
Consequences for the current Penalty Payment
State Secretary Aartsen has requested the ILT to assess Verpact’s total package of measures in the light of the ongoing enforcement process. The ILT has responded positively to the package of measures that Verpact is working on.
The ILT will amend the most recent Penalty Payment. In that case, Verpact was given the options of a return bonus or deposit increase. There is a new option to meet the burden: carrying out the various reward actions as described in the Total Approach.
Aartsen: “I am happy that the ILT is also positive about Verpact’s plan. This plan will really make a difference: much more collection, much less rubbish. Moreover, it is nice that Verpact has opted for a reward. A good alternative to increasing the deposit amount, which I am not in favor of.”