AMENDMENT TO CZECH PACKAGING ACT ON HOLD – DEPOSIT SYSTEM FOR BOTTLES AND CANS DELAYED
The Czech government has proposed an amendment to the Packaging Act aimed at introducing a deposit system for plastic bottles and metal beverage cans. Originally scheduled to take effect in January 2026, the system was designed to encourage recycling and reduce packaging waste.
However, Environment Minister Petr Hladík has acknowledged that, due to time constraints, it will not be possible to discuss the amendment before the autumn elections. As a result, the plan has been effectively put on hold.
How Was the System Meant to Work?
Under the proposed system, each plastic bottle and can with a volume between 0.1 and 3 litres would carry a refundable deposit of 4 CZK. Packaging for dairy products would be exempt.
Responsibilities of Key Stakeholders:
Producers: Required to register their packaging with the system operator and pay deposits and associated fees.
Distributors (Retailers): Expected to sell beverages with a deposit, accept returned packaging from customers, and forward it to the system operator.
System Operator: Responsible for reimbursing deposits to distributors, managing logistics, and ensuring proper recycling.
Participation in the return system would be mandatory for:
Stores larger than 50 m²
Petrol stations
E-shops with their own delivery service
In addition, all sales points would be required to accept returns of packaging they had sold and to ensure a collection point is available within 500 metres.
Additional Measure: Recycling Fee
The amendment also proposed a recycling fee for paper advertising leaflets and beverage cartons. This would further reinforce producers' responsibility for the collection and recycling of their products.
Overall, the proposal aimed to align Czech legislation with the EU’s circular economy goals and to significantly enhance the country’s management of packaging waste.
