Spain plans refundable 10-cent deposit on single-use drink containers

Refundable charge to appear separately on receipts

Spain is preparing to introduce a deposit-return system for certain single-use drink containers, adding a separate charge of about €0.10 to purchases made through shops, supermarkets and hospitality venues. The amount is intended to be a refundable deposit rather than a tax or permanent price increase: customers will recover it in full when they return the empty container to an authorised collection point.

El Independiente reports that the Sistema de Depósito, Devolución y Retorno, or SDDR, is scheduled to begin in November 2026. El Periódico gives a different date, saying establishments will have to apply a €0.10 charge from 12 August. The final timetable therefore remains unclear. El Independiente also says the deposit is expected to be around €0.10, but that its definitive value and several operating details still depend on implementing regulations.

Bottles and cans of up to three litres in scope

The system will cover designated beverage packaging of up to three litres, including plastic bottles and cans. El Periódico also lists beverage cartons of up to three litres, while El Independiente says the final treatment of additional formats has yet to be established. The deposit must appear as a separate item on the receipt or invoice, distinguishing the beverage price from the refundable amount attached to its packaging.

Consumers will be able to return containers through automated machines or at staffed collection points. This creates new handling requirements throughout the supply chain. Producers and distributors will need compatible packaging and reverse-logistics arrangements, while retailers must provide collection capacity. Bars, restaurants, hotels and cafés face additional questions because procedures may differ between drinks consumed on the premises and takeaway sales.

Collection rate of 41.3% missed the 70% target

The measure follows Spain's failure to meet its collection objective for single-use plastic bottles. According to El Independiente, official data put the separate collection rate at 41.3% in 2023, compared with a target of at least 70%. Spain's Waste Law provides for an SDDR when established collection targets are missed, reflecting the view that reliance on the existing yellow recycling container has not delivered the required recovery rate.

The legal framework includes Law 7/2022 of 8 April on waste and contaminated soils for a circular economy. El Periódico says the legislation seeks recovery of 90% of plastic waste before 1 January 2029. El Independiente describes the broader European objective as bringing collection rates close to 90% in the coming years. The deposit is designed to give consumers a direct financial reason to return packaging and to reduce discarded containers in public spaces.

Trade and logistics costs move into focus

For beverage importers and exporters, the main uncertainties concern which formats will be covered, how packaging will be registered and who will fund collection and transport. Manufacturers, distributors and small retailers have raised concerns about technical complexity, segregated storage and reverse-logistics costs, according to El Independiente. These details may affect packaging choices, distribution contracts and the cost of serving Spain once the implementing rules are completed.

A related EU measure will also reshape packaging used by the hospitality sector. El Periódico reports that Regulation (EU) 2025/40, approved on 22 January 2025, places restrictions on single-dose plastic sachets commonly used for sugar, salt, milk, vinegar, oil and sauces. The publication says their phase-out will start on 12 August and continue progressively until 2030, creating another adjustment for suppliers of packaged food portions and restaurant consumables.