The collection of deposit bottles and cans in the Netherlands continues to grow, thanks to the efforts of thousands of employees and volunteers. In 2024, 77% of all plastic beverage bottles were returned, while the collection rate for cans reached 84%. This progress keeps the Netherlands ahead of many other countries in terms of recycling efficiency. Over the past two years, 1,403 additional collection points have been introduced, including 15 bulk machines, with further expansion planned in 2025. The year began with a new Donnie campaign, and during the recent carnival celebrations, new mobile bulk machines were deployed for the first time.
Increasing the number of collection points makes it easier for people to return bottles and cans. Besides supermarket return stations, Statiegeld Nederland is actively working to establish more collection sites. Locations are provided with free return machines, including installation, maintenance, and compensation for operational costs. In 2024, Statiegeld Nederland invested over 75 million euros in new machines placed at collection points across the country.
Some of the smallest machines require less than one square meter of space and only need a power outlet. However, finding new locations on a voluntary basis remains challenging, despite research showing that more collection points are the most effective way to encourage recycling. High-traffic areas such as transport hubs, retail spaces, and public venues play a crucial role. Therefore, Verpact advocates for a mandatory collection obligation for locations selling a certain volume of bottles and cans or those with significant visitor numbers or retail space.
Hester Klein Lankhorst, chairperson of Verpact, emphasized the need for policy support, stating: “Changing people’s behavior takes time, but we continue to make progress each year. We are in a critical phase where raw materials are in high demand, and a targeted collection obligation could drive further growth. While discussions with policymakers are a good start, we need more concrete support from the government.”
Plastic bottles used for dairy and juice are currently excluded from the deposit system, even though the overall collection goal applies to all plastic beverage bottles. Around 12% of plastic beverage bottles are dairy containers, such as the square two-liter milk bottle, which is made from a different type of plastic. This means that even if all deposit bottles were returned, the 90% collection target would still not be met. Although up to 5% of plastic beverage bottles collected via PMD (plastic, metal, and drink cartons) can be counted, the 90% goal remains unattainable. Verpact is calling for a fairer collection target, with the deposit system alone achieving an 83% return rate in 2024.
Jeroen Hillen, director of Statiegeld Nederland, stated that including plastic dairy packaging in the deposit system is not desirable due to hygiene concerns, odors, and negative effects on the recycling process. More rinse water would be required, and the PET stream would become contaminated. Most European countries do not include dairy packaging in their deposit systems, and Germany is already experiencing issues from doing so.
