Poor PET recycler Spain plans new collection scheme

A government-led deposit return model is being introduced to boost Spain’s collection and recycling of plastic bottles. The initiative is driven by European Union directives requiring member states to collect at least 77% of PET by 2025 and 90% by 2029.

Spain’s current system, which relies on yellow recycling bins, has proved insufficient, achieving only a 41% collection rate in 2023, far below the target of 70%.

Stricter goals

Spanish law mandates that if recycling targets for 2023 and 2027 are not met, a nationwide deposit return system must be established within two years to ensure compliance with the EU’s 2025 and 2029 goals.

The system mirrors successful models in other European countries, where consumers pay a small deposit when purchasing plastic bottles, refunded when they return the empties to designated collection points.

Boosting recycling

The new system aims to ‘significantly’ increase recycling rates while tackling litter and environmental damage caused by plastic waste. Spain’s Ministry for Ecological Transition is currently assessing the logistical and technical requirements for implementation. Key stakeholders, including supermarkets, small retailers, and other collection points, are expected to play a major role in facilitating the collection.

Avoiding EU sanctions

The deposit return system is also seen as critical to avoiding EU-imposed penalties. Member states that fail to meet recycling targets face huge fines.

Meanwhile, the Welsh Government has withdrawn from plans for a UK-wide deposit return scheme because it does not include glass packaging. Now outside the EU, the UK Government has been developing its own scheme in partnership with the devolved nations, but the Welsh exit is being seen as a setback.