Rules for disposable cups and containers evaluated, minor adjustment | News item

News item | 13-12-2024 | 4:15 PM

Since July 1, 2023, you have to pay extra for disposable cups and containers that are (partly) made of plastic when consuming on the go. Since January 1, 2024, single-use cups and containers containing plastic have been banned for on-site consumption. Reusable is the standard.

The rules surrounding single-use plastic arise from European regulations. Every Member State must achieve an ambitious and sustained reduction in the use of single-use plastic cups and containers. The Netherlands has translated this into the goal of achieving a 40 percent reduction in 2026 compared to 2022. The rules surrounding disposable cups and containers have been drawn up to achieve that goal.

Objective achievable

It appears that the Dutch target will be achieved, according to the evaluation. The Netherlands is thus complying with its European obligation. This cannot be determined numerically until 2025.

Entrepreneurs and consumers were questioned in the evaluation and signals from the inspection were taken into account. The report shows that the rules can be more effective and clearer. This is especially true when consuming on the go. Things seem to be going well for on-site consumption. This is where the greatest results are achieved.

Rules adjusted

State Secretary Jansen sees reason in the evaluation to change the regulations and thus make the measures more effective and clearer for entrepreneurs and consumers. This way, the Netherlands remains on course to meet the European obligation regarding single-use plastics.

State Secretary Jansen: “I am happy to see that we are on the right track. By throwing away fewer cups and containers immediately after one use, we ensure less litter. I think it is important that both consumers and entrepreneurs know what is expected of them. This appears to be possible better. That is why the regulations are being clarified.”

To make the rules clearer and more unambiguous, the following adjustments are being made:

For pick-up and delivery (consumption on the go):

• If you now get something to eat or drink while on the road, you have to pay an additional fee for a disposable cup or container with plastic. Entrepreneurs are still free to choose an amount themselves, resulting in too much variation and uncertainty for consumers.
• That is why this is being adjusted. You will soon pay 25 cents for a plastic cup or a meal in single-use plastic container(s).
• You do not have to pay this amount if you use reusable packaging.
• The additional charge only applies if your food or drink is packaged on site. The surcharge will be abolished for home delivery and pre-packaged products, such as meal salads in the supermarket.

For on-site consumption (e.g. offices, restaurants, canteens):

• Under certain conditions, entrepreneurs could request an exception to the rules regarding cups and containers for on-site consumption.
• This exception is narrowed. This will only apply at closed events. Furthermore, reusable for on-site consumption remains the standard everywhere. Only healthcare institutions and closed institutions (such as prisons) may deviate from this.

The intention is that the new rules will come into effect from January 1, 2026, so that entrepreneurs have enough time to prepare for this. In the meantime, the current regulations will continue to apply. State Secretary Jansen has extended an instruction to the ILT to adjust enforcement from December 31, 2024 to December 31, 2025.

Rules for single-use plastic cups and containers

These measures are part of a larger whole. They arise from the European Single Use Plastics (SUP) Directive, which aims to reduce the impact of single-use plastics on the environment. This contributes to a cleaner living environment.