The DRS European tour
In the pursuit of achieving a circular economy, many countries around the world either have regulations that are preparing for or have already implemented a deposit return scheme (DRS). One such piece of legislation that aims to prepare for this is the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations (PPWR). Earlier this year, the European Union (EU) amended the PPWR ensuring that all EU Member States must, by January 2029, facilitate the separate collection of at least 90% per annum of single-use plastic bottles and metal beverage containers. One way to achieve this is to implement a DRS.
Under Germany’s deposit return scheme, which has been operating since October 2003, obligated entities must follow various key points in the legislation that include:
I. Participating in a DRS based compliance scheme through following the registration process.
II. Ensuring that products that are within scope are clearly labelled as such.
III. If applicable, operate as a suitable return point for customers to return their beverage containers.
Germany is not the only country to implement this system, many countries across the world including Australia, Sweden and Switzerland, to name but a few, have a DRS. Most recently Romania enforced their system in November of 2023, Hungary kicked off the new year with the implementation of their system in January 2024 and the Republic of Ireland has followed close behind with their implementation of the DRS system in February 2024.
While Germany and these other countries are a clear example of a deposit return scheme, one such country outside of the European Union is taking clear strides to develop their deposit return system and as such has experienced a vast rework, The United Kingdom.
The United Kingdom; a deposit return scheme still in the making
This intended scheme has been through turbulent times. Initially intended to be rolled out in 2025 with Scotland proposing their scheme even sooner than this. This has been delayed with a new implementation date of October 2027. The United Kingdom will introduce this scheme in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland and currently focuses on drinks with a capacity of 150ml-3L in PET, aluminium, and steel. As a part of an ongoing discussion on whether to include glass in DRS systems, Wales has decided to include glass, while England, Scotland and Northern Ireland will not be including glass in their DRS.
With the scope of materials confirmed, there are key dates that form part of this system. The current hope is that by Spring 2025, a deposit management organisation (DMO) will be appointed, with the official regulations entering into force. Fast-forwarding by a year, by Spring 2026 until the following Autumn of 2027, the scheme will be rolled out with this scheme being launched in October 2027.
What is on the horizon?
It is clear that many EU Member States and those outside are working to implement a deposit return scheme. Other EU Member States such as Belgium which does not have a system in place, are undergoing conversations about the shape that they want their system to take.
If we look outside of the EU, Australia have been steadfast in their regional implementation of their DRS, with a DRS being operational in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and Victoria. Another successful country is the United States of America for which many states have enforced their deposit systems for many years. California’s ‘SB-353 on the California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act’ which includes a deposit of 5¢ for each container of less than 24 ounces redeemed, and a 10¢ deposit for each container for beverage containers 24 ounces or greater redeemed. Maine’s ‘Beverage Container Redemption Program’ has been operational since the legislation was enforced in 1978 and amended in 2015 to expand its scope to spirits and other alcohols.
Leaving Australia and the US, other countries such as Singapore are working to implement their system, which was initially set to enter into force in 2025 but has such been delayed to 2026. This system will potentially include single-use beverage containers from 150ml to 3L.
From what we can see, there are various countries across the globe that have or plan to implement a deposit return system. It will be interesting to see the developments of EU Member States as they work towards the 2029 deadline.
The rapid rate at which EPR regulations are evolving can be frustrating for businesses that seek to make sense of how they might be affected by a potential law. Ecoveritas has and will continue to keep track of and interpret EPR regulations, along with other environmental law impacting packaging, textiles, electricals, batteries, and wider sectors. Our exclusive Global EPR Matrix offers a unique insight into EPR laws that should educate you about your business’s obligations.
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