Details of the New Deposit-Return System (DRS)
Effective Wednesday, August 12, Spain’s nationwide environmental policy, the Deposit-Return System (Sistema de Depósito, Devolución y Retorno, DRS), comes into force. A 10-cent deposit will be charged for every beverage can, single-use plastic bottle, and Tetra Pak carton (brik) up to three liters. This fee will be listed separately on the receipt; for instance, a six-pack of cans will incur an additional 60-cent charge. This is not a price hike but a fully refundable deposit. Consumers can reclaim their deposit by returning the empty containers to designated collection points.
Core Goal: A 90% Recycling Rate by 2029
This new policy is a crucial step for Spain to meet the targets set by Law 7/2022 on Waste and Contaminated Soil for a Circular Economy. The law mandates that Spain must increase its plastic packaging recycling rate to 90% by January 1, 2029. To achieve this ambitious goal, Spain has drawn on the successful experiences of countries like Germany, Denmark, and Portugal. These nations have demonstrated that similar deposit systems effectively reduce packaging waste in the natural environment and significantly boost recycling efficiency.
Operational Adjustments and Challenges for Businesses
The new system introduces new obligations for the retail and hospitality sectors. All businesses selling these beverages, including supermarkets, bars, and restaurants, are required to collect the deposit at the point of sale and refund it when consumers return the empty containers. A significant challenge, particularly for small businesses, is the requirement to accept all eligible empty containers, even if the beverages were not purchased at their establishment. This demands extra storage space for recyclables and adds to the administrative workload of daily operations. Some businesses may need to install reverse vending machines to streamline the process.
Phasing Out Single-Use Plastic Condiment Packets
Concurrent with the beverage container deposit scheme is a plan to gradually phase out single-use plastic sachets. Starting August 12, items commonly found in food service, such as individual packets of sugar, salt, coffee creamers, cooking oil, vinegar, and sauces, will be progressively withdrawn from the market. According to the regulation, this transition must be completed by 2030. By then, restaurants and cafes will have to use reusable dispensers or other eco-friendly alternatives to reduce single-use plastic waste at the source while maintaining food hygiene. Together, these measures form part of the EU’s broader strategy to promote a circular economy and combat plastic pollution.
