One year after the introduction of a deposit on small plastic bottles, an estimated seven out of ten are returned. Of the total, so large and small bottles together, about 80 percent is returned. That is what Raymond Gianotten, director of Statiegeld Nederland, says when asked.
The target is that 90 percent of all deposit bottles will be returned and reused this year. “We are now seeing a significant increase in the number of bottles that are handed in. But it is now also high season,” says Gianotten.
The deposit that is not returned to the consumer is used to finance the collection and recycling system. That is more than 60 million euros on an annual basis.
Since 1 July 2021, manufacturers are no longer allowed to market bottles without a deposit. A month earlier, the influx of it started in supermarkets and other points of sale.
“We had a summer with corona last year, in which many events and concerts were canceled,” says Gianotten. “Now they will continue and they still have to find out how it works.”
Number of return points is growing fast
The number of points where the bottles can be returned is growing rapidly. “In the autumn, the NS stations will also be added. Now, in addition to the five thousand supermarkets, there are also many sports associations and gas stations where you can return them.” In total there are about 22,500 places where you can leave your deposit bottle.
The goal for this year is therefore that 90 percent of all returnable bottles, including the large ones, are returned. “I estimate it’s 80 percent now.” Assuming roughly the same number of large and small bottles are sold, that’s 70 percent for the small ones.
It should become clear next year what the exact figure for this year has become. From 1 April next year, there will also be a deposit on cans. That would be January 1, but that date will not be met.