WHAT IS THE LAW ABOUT?

As of December 31 (2022), the deposit of cans will be introduced in the Netherlands. According to the central government, this law is discussed extensively in the Chamber and with the sector for almost two years now. The goal of this law is to deduce the amount of cans that and up in our environment. To indicate the impact of this: there is an average of 2 bilion sold cans every year. This comes down to 411.000 cans a day. Some of these cans end up in our nature, like oceans and greenery.

With the help of this law, they hope to minimize the waste and help recycle these cans. Per can, a deposit of 15 cents will be calculated. This means that consumers will pay this 15 cent extra when they purchase a can in for instance a supermarket. And they can get this refunded when they hand in the cans.

In a reaction on these plans, the AV mentioned on the 17th of June that they cannot meet the requirements before the set date of 31 December this year. The proposal for delay was however declined by the secretary of state. The ILT considers it necessary to issue a strong warning that introducing the deposit on cans is a legal obligation. Because of this, they imposed the LOD. The total amount of penalty payments will be 28 million. If the violation continues after this penalty, the ILT announced to propose a new penalty.

THE EFFECT OF EXPLOITING THE DEPOSIT SYSTEM

According the research of CE Delft, using a deposit system for cans and small bottles will result in 70% till 90% less litter in the environment. This research is done before these law enforcements where made, so the actual effect will have to be revealed. But a decrease of waste – ending in our nature and oceans – will always we a win. Especially when combined with other measures like the single use plastic ban for offices. Furthermore, having a solid return system for manufacturers will hopefully result in more and better recycled material due to a cleaner supply of cans and bottles.