Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) — PPWR Requirements

Deposit return schemes (DRS) are systems where consumers pay a small deposit when purchasing a beverage in a single-use container and receive the deposit back when they return the empty container to a collection point. The PPWR requires all EU member states to establish DRS for single-use plastic beverage bottles (up to 3L) and metal beverage cans by 1 January 2029.

DRS Scope Under the PPWR

The mandatory DRS scope covers: single-use plastic beverage bottles up to 3 litres (including PET, HDPE, and other plastics); metal beverage cans (aluminium and steel) up to 3 litres. Member states may extend DRS to glass beverage bottles and other packaging formats.

Collection Rate Target

Member states must achieve a separate collection rate of 90% by weight of DRS-covered packaging placed on the market by 2029. This is one of the most ambitious collection targets in EU waste law. Countries with existing DRS (Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway) already exceed 90% collection rates. Countries without DRS (France, Italy, Spain, Poland) must establish systems from scratch.

Deposit Levels

The PPWR does not harmonise deposit levels, leaving member states to set appropriate amounts. Deposit levels in existing EU DRS range from €0.08 (Germany, small bottles) to €0.25 (Germany, large bottles) to SEK 1–2 (Sweden). Deposit levels must be set high enough to incentivise return but not so high as to create social equity concerns.

National DRS Status