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It is not yet clear if there will be a depository system in Austria
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From the point of view of the environmental protection organization Global 2000, Austria remains a laggard when it comes to plastic tanks. A look at the evolution in Europe shows the clear trend towards deposit systems, because ten European countries implemented a year ago and another twelve decided in 2020 to introduce a deposit system for beverages within four years. In Austria, however, they are still awaiting the decision.
“Depository systems are advancing in Europe for a reason: it is the most effective means of combating natural contamination of beverage packaging, achieves high-quality recycling and helps create a level playing field for reusable systems that save money. resources, “said Lena Steger, resource spokesperson for the NGO. in a broadcast on Thursday
Malta will implement a depository system from 2021. In 2022, the example will be followed by a whole series of new “deposit countries”: Scotland, Portugal, Latvia, Ireland, Belarus, Romania and probably also Turkey will introduce the depository system. this year, according to Global 2000. Recently, the Romanian environment ministers presented the government’s decision on the repository system: “Our Slovak neighbors also decided in September that the repository system will be implemented from January 1, 2022 “, said.
Other countries that already charge a deposit are expanding deposit systems: in the Netherlands, as of July 1, 2021, “after decades of industry resistance”, even smaller plastic bottles will be able to be deposited. In the future, Germany is also discussing the integration of juices, spirits and dairy drinks in PET bottles in the deposit system; A bill has already been drafted and will be approved in June 2021. In Belgium it was announced at the end of September that the coalition agreement provides for the possibility of introducing a deposit system in relation to the tax on packaging, these are examples .
At the end of September, the European beverage manufacturers organizations UNESDA and EFBW also addressed the need to introduce deposit systems in all EU member states. “Beverage manufacturers are not without reason to introduce a deposit system, because from 2023 they would have to pay the costs of littering their products. It is clear that we cannot avoid a deposit to achieve the separate collection fee 90 percent, “Steger emphasized.
The NGO recalled the study published in Austria at the beginning of 2020 “Possibilities for the implementation of the EU requirements regarding beverage containers, deposit systems and reusable”, which sees a deposit system as the most efficient method to fulfill with the requirements of the EU and which was carried out by the Minister of the Environment Leonore Gewessler (Greens) “3-point plan” against plastic flooding presented in September. The Global 2000 conclusion: While a large number of European countries already have plans for depository systems, Austria is still awaiting a decision. “The federal government should not be held back by false figures from the WKÖ (note from the Chamber of Commerce). Now we need economically and ecologically sustainable solutions. Strong European examples show that deposit systems work well,” emphasized the resources spokesperson in conclusion.
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