Deposit return schemes and plastic bags in Denmark (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: A national deposit system covers single-use and refillable drink packaging, with deposits of DKK 1, 1.50 or 3 depending on type and size (order in force from 15 October 2026). Shops must charge at least DKK 4 per carrier bag, and thin plastic carrier bags are banned.

RuleWhat applies
National deposit return scheme in operationDeposit on drinks containersYes [1]
Containers coveredDeposit on drinks containersPackaging under 20 litres for beer, carbonated water and soft drinks, spirit-based alcopops (up to 10% vol.), still water, lemonade and iced tea, fruit and vegetable juice, and diluted squash products, Other fermented drinks under CN heading 2206 (the order's list item 4), Not covered: kegs, plastic jugs over 10 litres for still water, carton packaging, transport packaging, squash packaging over 4.9 litres [1]
Deposit per containerDeposit on drinks containers; Plastic bottles over 0.35 and under 1 litre1.50 DKK per container [1]
Deposit per containerDeposit on drinks containers; Plastic bottles of 1 litre or more3.00 DKK per container [1]
Deposit per containerDeposit on drinks containers; Metal drink containers up to 3 litres1.00 DKK per container [1]
Plastic carrier bag rulePlastic carrier bagsCharge required [2]
Price of plastic carrier bagsPlastic carrier bagsShops must charge a minimum of DKK 4 per carrier bag; a higher price is allowed. [2]
Bag thickness rulePlastic carrier bagsPlastic carrier bags thinner than 30 microns may not be supplied at all, free or for a charge, except bags without handles thinner than 15 microns (for food hygiene), which may be supplied. Plastic bags thicker than 30 microns, and bags with handles of other materials, may not be given away free. [2]

Notes

  • The deposit order of 28 September 2026 (BEK 853) takes effect on 15 October 2026 and replaces the earlier deposit order. Dansk Retursystem A/S runs the system.
  • Deposits including VAT: plastic packaging up to 99 cl DKK 1.50; refillable glass over 50 cl DKK 3; other packaging up to 99 cl (cans and single-use glass) DKK 1; any packaging over 99 cl DKK 3. The table shows the closest comparison classes; the legal groups are by material and size as stated here.
  • Since 1 January 2021 plastic carrier bags thicker than 30 microns, and handled bags of other materials, may not be given free at points of sale. Handle-free paper or cotton bags may be given free.

Sources

  1. Retsinformation (Lovtidende A): Bekendtgørelse om supplerende bestemmelser til forordning om emballage og emballageaffald for så vidt angår pantbelagte drikkevareemballager (BEK nr. 853) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Miljøstyrelsen (Plastikviden): Regler om bæreposer (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

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