Questions on Single Used Plastic regulations

As of July 1, 2023, the regulations regarding disposable plastic packaging and reusable packaging will change to encourage recycling and reduce packaging waste.

Restaurants can no longer provide single-use plastics to their customers for free and will need to charge Deposits or Surcharges that are separately visible on the customer receipt.

Do I need to pay extra for single used plastic packaging?

According to regulations, restaurants will be required to:

1. charge a surcharge on single-use plastics to the consumers and/or
2. offer a reusable alternative with a deposit to be returned back upon returning the container to the store.

In addition, restaurants must state the single-use plastic surcharge separately on their receipts.

How much do I need to pay for single used plastic packaging?

The amounts mentioned below are based on the non-binding government guidelines that are stated in the Single Use Plastic regulations. However, merchants are allowed to deviate from these guidelines and charge different amounts.

Recommended prices for single-use cups or packaging:

• €0.25 for cups
• €0.50 for a meal (this can include several pieces of packaging)
• €0.05 for pre-packaged vegetables, fruit, nuts and portion packs.

What qualifies as single used plastic?

The rules apply to food packaging that involves containers that can be eaten directly from without further preparation of the food, and all plastic cups.

These rules apply to packaging that consists either partly or entirely of plastic and is intended to be used only once.

For more information, please refer to the government website.

Where can I see the Deposits and Surcharges?

Deposits and Surcharges will appear as mandatory customizations to the items offered with single use plastic packaging or reusable alternatives.