SPAIN is set to introduce a new scheme that enforces a fee when bottles and cans are purchased.
The deposit of up to €0.10 will be refunded to purchases when they bring back the packaging to stores or machines after the goods have been used.
This change in rules will be put in place from November with the aim of complying with the European Union’s (EU) recycling objectives.
Currently Spain’s packaging collection rate is 40%, a statistic which is far from the levels expected by the EU.
In implementing this system of deposits, refunds and returns (SDDR), the nation hopes that the rate will rise to 90% in the next few years.
This new process will mainly affect plastic bottles, cans and cartons with the deposit being added to drink purchases of up to three litres, including water, soft drinks, juice and beer.
This very model has already been used in other countries, and seen positive results with reduction in waste and increases in recycling.
Despite these advantages of the system and its approval, the roll-out will come with administrative complexities and various challenges.
Key aspects of the process still need to be determined with there currently being no responsible body for managing the system and organising it on a national level.
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This body will be necessary as the implementation of SDDR will pose a logistical challenge as it is set to be rolled out across numerous municipalities and hundreds of shops in Spain.
The coordination of multiple sectors will be required if the system is to successfully start operating in November.
Once it has been implemented, it will transform the way in which citizens manage their waste and help to improve the efficiency of Spanish recycling.
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