Spain introduced a nationwide Deposit Return Scheme for Beverage Containers
Spain is set to launch a long-awaited deposit return scheme (DRS) for beverage containers in November 2026. The initiative follows years of underperformance in meeting European Union recycling targets and introduces a structured system designed to boost collection rates and reduce environmental impact.
Under the new system, consumers will pay a refundable deposit of at least €0.10 when purchasing drinks packaged in:
- Plastic bottles
- Metal cans
- Cartons (up to 3 litres)
Once the product is consumed, the empty container can be returned to designated collection points—such as supermarkets or reverse vending machines—where the deposit is refunded, either in cash or as a voucher. The scheme is implemented under Royal Decree 1055/2022, which mandates the introduction of a deposit system if Spain fails to meet EU recycling targets. The introduction of the DRS will have operational implications across the supply chain: retailers, producers, and importers.
Questions and comments (2)
These reverse vending machines. Will they be large. Will they accept all types of bottles and cans. Will the empty product be inserted into the machine and will the machine sort them out or will they just end up in a large enclosed container? Nothing is very clear at the moment. If the existing recycling containers were emptied on a regular basis instead of allowing them to overflow and create a considerable mess on the pavements and in the road there would be better control over recycling collection. Also more of these containers should have been put out particularly in Supermarket car parks. Can't see this new system working as Spain is not an efficient country except for beaurocracy.
Those are fair questions. At this stage, many of the practical details around the reverse vending machines, including their size, capacity, sorting process and exact placement, are still not entirely clear. The success of the scheme will depend not only on the legal framework, but also on how effectively the collection infrastructure is implemented and maintained in practice. It will therefore be interesting to see how Spain addresses these operational issues ahead of the November 2026 launch.