ANP extension
ANNOUNCEMENTS•
The Council of State has abolished the introduction of the security deposit on cans from 1 January. Threatened the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport penalty payments if the industry is unable to complete the implementation that day. But the highest administrative court has granted supermarkets, manufacturers and importers an extension until April 1.
The case was brought before the industry representative, Stichting Afvalfonds Verpakkingen. Already in June he had informed the secretary of state that it takes more time to set up a system that can accommodate 2 billion cans a year. Implementation from 1 April was deemed possible.
The responsible ministry reacted angrily. “The fact that there will be a deposit on cans is nothing new,” said the same department’s Inspectorate for the Human Environment and the Environment (ILT). “The parties involved were extensively involved in advance and briefed on the date.” State Secretary Heijnen repeated it yesterday.
Not enough machines
During last month’s hearing, it emerged not only that the introduction was hampered by computer problems, but also that as of January 1, there were still not enough machines to shred the returned cans. According to the State Council, this hinders the start of the system on January 1st.
Furthermore, manual collection of cans in supermarkets poses major practical problems. According to the Council, the public interest is best served if the scheme is not introduced gradually, but starts all at once and completely.
Other than doubling
A deposit has been levied on large plastic bottles for years. Since July 1 last year, the security deposit for small plastic bottles has been added.
If there are even 2 billion cans a year, it means that the number of returnable packaging will more than double. As with bottles, the deposit for cans will be 15 cents.
