Czech government plans to introduce a DRS for plastic bottles and cans
11 July 2024
On Tuesday, the Ministry of Environment submitted for approval, by the government's Legislative Council, an amendment to the national packaging law, introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for PET bottles. According to Environment Minister Petr Hladik, this initiative has a two-fold purpose. Firstly, implementing the DRS will significantly reduce the number of bottles and cans littering the streets and parks of cities and municipalities across the country.
Subsequently, reducing litter will save money by lowering the costs associated with waste collection and clean-up operations. "Not only will we improve the cleanliness in the neighbourhoods of Prague and other cities, but we will also increase the budgets allocated to municipalities," Minister Hladik stated. Ministry data indicates that approximately 1 in 5 PET bottles and 3 out of 4 cans currently end up as litter.
The proposed DRS, once approved, will begin implementation by mid-2025 and is expected to be fully operational by early 2026. The main objective is to achieve a 90% separate collection rate for plastic bottles and metal beverage containers, in compliance with the Single-Use Products (Plastics) Directive.
The Secretariat will keep you updated with the latest developments on this issue.
Subsequently, reducing litter will save money by lowering the costs associated with waste collection and clean-up operations. "Not only will we improve the cleanliness in the neighbourhoods of Prague and other cities, but we will also increase the budgets allocated to municipalities," Minister Hladik stated. Ministry data indicates that approximately 1 in 5 PET bottles and 3 out of 4 cans currently end up as litter.
The proposed DRS, once approved, will begin implementation by mid-2025 and is expected to be fully operational by early 2026. The main objective is to achieve a 90% separate collection rate for plastic bottles and metal beverage containers, in compliance with the Single-Use Products (Plastics) Directive.
The Secretariat will keep you updated with the latest developments on this issue.
