Spain to introduce refundable deposits on beverage containers from November 2026
Spain will launch a deposit return system for beverage containers in November 2026, requiring bars, restaurants and retailers to collect a refundable deposit. The measure covers plastic bottles, cans and cartons of up to 3 litres and follows a reported 41.3% collection rate for single-use plastic bottles in 2023.
Refundable deposit to start in November 2026
Spain will introduce a deposit, return and refund system for beverage containers from November 2026, changing how consumers, hospitality businesses and retailers handle used packaging. Heraldo reports that bars, restaurants, supermarkets and shops will have to collect a deposit when selling covered drinks and participate in the return network.
The amount paid with the drink will not be a permanent surcharge. Consumers will be able to recover it after returning the empty container to a participating shop or an authorised collection point. Heraldo says the deposit will generally be about €0.10, while the new model requires an additional amount of at least €0.10 for each covered container.
Plastic bottles, cans and cartons are covered
The system will apply to plastic bottles, cans and beverage cartons with a capacity of up to 3 litres. Products within its scope include water, soft drinks, juice and beer. Glass containers are also mentioned as part of the broader organised collection, management and recycling chain described for the new system.
Participating bars, restaurants, supermarkets and shops will have to accept eligible returned containers even when the product was bought from another business. Reverse-vending machines will also be installed at selected locations. These machines will scan the container’s barcode before arranging repayment of the deposit.
The obligation therefore extends beyond charging and refunding customers. Businesses will need space and procedures for receiving, storing and transferring returned packaging. Large supermarkets may rely on automated equipment, but smaller shops and hospitality venues will also have to fit into the collection chain. The operational effects will depend on return volumes and the arrangements established before the launch.
Collection rate missed the EU threshold
The measure follows Spain’s failure to reach the collection level required under European rules. According to Heraldo, the European requirement was at least 70% for the relevant waste, while Spain collected only 41.3% of single-use plastic bottles in 2023. The government concluded that the existing yellow-container system was insufficient and opted for the deposit model to raise effective recovery and recycling rates.
Spain is following deposit-system practices already used in European countries including Portugal, Germany and Denmark. The government also aims to reduce the risk of sanctions from Brussels over continued non-compliance with European environmental requirements. Manufacturers and distributors have requested more time to prepare, but Heraldo reports that the Ministry for the Ecological Transition does not currently plan to delay implementation. The remaining challenge is to install collection equipment and ensure that smaller businesses can comply before November 2026.
