In Belgium, a significant volume of reusable bottles still ends up in glass recycling. In 2025, this accounted for approximately 3.7% of the glass collected, amounting to nearly 12,000 tonnes. Yet this packaging is intended for reuse via a closed return system.

Incorrect sorting not only leads to a loss of material value but also to unrecovered deposits. With an average deposit of around 10 cents per bottle, this amounts to nearly 5 million euros per year. This points to a persistent lack of clarity among consumers regarding the distinction between single-use and reusable glass.

Things regularly go wrong, particularly with beer packaging, which is traditionally firmly embedded in the reuse system. Instead of being reused, these bottles end up in the glass recycling bin and are crushed and recycled.

To improve sorting behaviour, Fost Plus and EcoWerf are launching a pilot project in Kortenaken, Glabbeek and Lubbeek. Through targeted visual communication, they aim to raise awareness of the return logo   and encourage correct return.

A proper return flow remains essential for the efficiency and sustainability of the reuse system.