Netherlands to bring in separate recycling system for plastic packs

Jill Park, packagingnews.co.uk, 16 August 2007

 

Dutch local authorities are to introduce a separate collection system for plastic packaging waste from households as part of a drive to double recycling rates by 2012.

 

Environment minister Jacqueline Cramer reached an accord with local authorities and business users of plastic packaging this week to increase packaging recycling rates to 42% from the 22.5% rate required under EU law.

 

A survey commissioned by the Netherlands environment ministry earlier this year highlighted that 91% of citizens would prefer a collection system for plastic bottles rather than a take-it yourself system.

 

Companies that package their products will be taxed to finance a new £78m (€115m) annual waste fund to refund costs incurred by local authorities.

 

This is extra to the £169m packaging tax the Netherlands government promised when it gained power earlier in the year.

 

Interested parties from local authorities and businesses will confirm the accord by vote in autumn.

 

The UK recovered and recycled 21.9% of plastic packaging waste in 2006, according to Defra.