The government has allowed the return of PET bottles and cans as well as fees for labels

“Today, 400 million PET bottles and 500 million cans end up in nature, in incinerators or in landfills. Although we sort fairly well, we recycle very poorly,” said Environment Minister Petr Hladík (KDU-ČSL).

The change to the law includes a four-crore deposit on PET packaging and cans. People should return them at 11,000 places. In addition to shops larger than 50 square meters, it will also be possible, for example, at gas stations. According to the minister, he will be able to take the same machines through which people now return glass bottles, PET bottles and cans.

Hladík wants to implement the backstop, among other things, so that the Czech Republic can meet the demands of the European Union. By 2029, it wants to recycle at least 90 percent of the weight of plastic drink bottles. This is currently not possible. “It currently supports 16 European countries. “Austria and Poland will start back from January 1,” Hladík said.

However, there has been a strong conflict over backup for a long time. For example, the new Minister of Industry and Trade Lukáš Vlček (STAN) has a problem with it. He abstained from voting on the government.

The introduction of investments is supported, for example, by beverage manufacturers or environmental groups such as Greenpeace, the Rainbow Movement or Arnika. They believe that the current waste classification system is ineffective.

On the other hand, merchants and cities are against advances. Some of them make money sorting waste and now they are in danger of losing valuable raw materials.

Opponents sent a letter this week demanding that the backstop be rejected directly to Prime Minister Petr Fial (ODS). It has been signed by representatives of the Union of Towns and Cities, the Union of Local Governments, the Association of Regions, the Confederation of Employers’ and Business Unions and the Chamber of Commerce. “It is clear that the impact of the proposal on citizens and cities and towns is negative,” they said.

However, the Dining Room objected to the letter. Although she is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce, she agrees with backlash.

“In the past, several round tables were held on the grounds of the Chamber of Commerce on the subject of the advance payment system without a clear decision. Some members welcome the introduction of deposits, some do not,” said Dana Večeřová, president of the Food Chamber.

As well as supporting PET bottles and cans, the change also includes a recycling fee for advertising leaflets. The ministry argues that discounting printed materials burdens municipal waste management systems and contributes to pollution. So he wants their manufacturers to share the costs.

For example, the Council of the Elderly or the Business and Trade Union opposed the proposal. Along with the distributors, he also criticized the ministry for double standards. Although buyers must pay the tax, it does not apply to political advertising.

The Ministry defends the decision by saying that political leaflets are informational in nature, unlike discount leaflets. However, Hladík said that it is still possible to consider changes in the amendment.