Spain is preparing to introduce a deposit-return scheme for beverage packaging after the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation became applicable on 12 August 2026. The scheme will cover plastic beverage bottles, metal cans and beverage cartons with capacities of up to three litres. Consumers will pay a refundable deposit of at least €0.10 per container and may return properly labelled, undamaged containers to any participating collection point, regardless of wherethey were purchased. Refunds may be issued in cash or as shopping credit. Containers consumed and collected on-site at bars and restaurants will be exempt. Spain triggered the scheme after its plastic bottle collection rate reached only about 42% in 2023, well below the EU interim target of 70%. Although the government has not yet announced an official launch date, the system must begin operating by November 2026. Spain aims to raise the collection rate for beverage containers to 90% by 2029.
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