Environmental organizations Bond Beter Leefmilieu (BBL) and Recycling Netwerk Benelux are skeptical about how the Flemish government intends to introduce a deposit on beverage packaging. The creation of a digital system threatens to delay the filing’s introduction, according to critics.
Both BBL and the Recycling Network are delighted that the Flemish government has shown its intention to introduce the deposit. But the digital system raises many questions.
For example, BBL regrets that “another pilot project” has been launched. “There are too many ambiguities to implement a digital system in the short term, while there is no time to waste,” says Nina Maat, waste policy expert and circular economy at BBL. “It is good that Flanders is focusing on technology and innovation, but this should not be detrimental to our goals and lead to a delayed introduction of depots.”
Recycling Network also points out that the proposed system offers “a huge risk of delay, postponement and adjustment”. “A deposit system where consumers have to retrieve their money via QR codes does not yet exist anywhere in the world. It is unclear when the technology will be ready for market.”
The two organizations continue to support the classic system, where the packaging is returned to the store. Recycling Network therefore proposes that the government, in parallel with the scanning system, also develops a plan for the traditional “return to retail” system, in order to build sufficient guarantees that the introduction of the deposit can actually be started in 2025.
