A new European regulation on packaging waste has officially come into force, raising questions about whether Belgium will finally have to introduce a mandatory deposit system for plastic bottles and cans.
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) took effect on 12 August, replacing the bloc's three decade old waste directive. Some immediate measures include banning toxic substances, such as PFAS in food packaging and establishing stricter recyclability standards.
Because it is a regulation rather than a directive, the text applies directly to producers without requiring Member States to pass national legislation. Still, the most significant change for consumers is expected to come into force in three years.
By 1 January 2029, Member States must separately collect at least 90% of single-use plastic bottles and metal cans under three litres. To achieve this target, article 50 of the legislation expects countries to implement a deposit return scheme.
Buyers would pay a small surcharge at the checkout, typically around €0.10 or €0.25, which they recover upon returning the empty container. Environmental law expert Professor Delphine Misonne from UCLouvain told L'Avenir that this measure applies directly at the market-entry stage rather than acting as a simple return premium.
On the go
Belgium currently relies heavily on its blue bags (PMD in Dutch, PMC in French). This framework avoids charging citizens upfront. Recycling agency Fost Plus estimates that the country already collects 80% of plastic bottles through this method.
However, cans present a distinct problem: only 65% of metal drink containers end up correctly sorted. Consumers buy many on the go and quickly discard them incorrectly.
Fost Plus points to consumption habits as the primary obstacle for aluminium waste. "They are generally purchased outside the home and on the move, emptied in one go and thrown away as quickly as possible," the agency stated.
There is still a way in which Belgium can avoid introducing the deposit system. The EU text includes specific exemptions for countries capable of proving they already meet high collection standards. If a Member State achieves an 80% separate collection rate in 2026 and presents a credible strategy to hit the 90% mark by 2029, the Commission may grant a waiver.
