WHAT IS THE DEPOSIT RETURN SYSTEM AND WHY DOES IT EXIST?

If you live in the Netherlands, you’ve probably experienced it before: a growing pile of empty bottles and cans stacking up in your kitchen. Since the expansion of the statiegeld (deposit return) system, this has become a familiar sight for many. When purchasing a drink, you pay a small additional fee, which you can reclaim by returning the packaging. This initiative aims to encourage recycling and reduce litter. But how can you manage this efficiently? And what do all those different symbols mean? This guide walks you through the practical side of the deposit return system.

HOW TO RECOGNIZE THE DEPOSIT RETURN SYMBOL AND AVOID COMMON MISTAKES

Let’s start with the basics; it’s essential to understand how recognizing the correct deposit return symbols can help avoid common mistakes. Being aware of these misconceptions ensures a smoother return process:

• Misreading the symbol:

  Not every recycling symbol means the item has a deposit. Only the official deposit return symbol with the word "statiegeld" qualifies.

• Damaged packaging:

  Bottles without a barcode or with an unreadable deposit symbol may be rejected.

• Foreign packaging:

  Not all bottles and cans purchased abroad are part of the Dutch deposit return system.

• Incorrect return location:

  Not every supermarket accepts all types of deposit-return packaging.

The official deposit return symbol consists of a distinctive circle with an arrow and the word "statiegeld." You can typically find it:

• On the barcode

• Near the label

• On the top of cans

Can’t find the deposit symbol? Then the packaging belongs in regular waste. Always double-check, sometimes the symbol is small or located in an unexpected spot.

WHY SOME PACKAGING GETS REJECTED AND HOW TO AVOID IT

There are several reasons why a package may not be accepted:

• Damaged or missing barcodes: Automatic scanners cannot read broken or missing barcodes.

• Incorrect type of plastic or metal: Some packaging, such as bottles without the deposit symbol or foreign products, are not included in the Dutch system.

• Dirty or liquid-filled containers: Ensure bottles and cans are empty and clean before returning them.

• Bottles without attached caps: As of 2024, plastic bottle caps must remain attached to the bottle. This prevents loose caps from becoming litter and reduces the risk of animals swallowing them. Pay attention to this when purchasing drinks.

WHICH TYPES OF PACKAGING ARE ACCEPTED IN THE DEPOSIT RETURN SYSTEM?

To ensure a smooth return process, it’s useful to know which types of packaging are accepted:

Accepted:

• Plastic soft drink and water bottles with the deposit symbol (e.g., sodas, mineral water, etc.).

• Cans with the deposit symbol (e.g., energy drinks, beer cans, etc.).

Not accepted:

• Packaging without the deposit symbol (e.g., syrup bottles or dairy cartons).

• Foreign bottles and cans without the Dutch deposit symbol.

• Heavily damaged or unreadable packaging.

• Bottles with loose caps.

If in doubt, check the packaging or ask your supermarket what is accepted.

HOW THE DEPOSIT RETURN SYSTEM IS EVOLVING IN 2024

At the beginning of 2024, the plastic surcharge was abolished and replaced with an expanded deposit return system. This system aims to:

• Encourage packaging returns

• Improve recycling processes

• Reduce litter

Studies from 2024 highlight the significant impact of deposit returns in reducing litter, showing measurable improvements in waste management and environmental cleanliness. Litter researcher and activist Dirk Groot, also known as "Zwerfinator," reported a 79% decrease in the number of deposit-return drink containers found in the first half of 2024. His findings were based on 383 kilometers of research across 21 cities and towns.