Deposit return schemes and plastic bags in the Netherlands (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: The Netherlands requires a deposit on plastic bottles and metal drink containers up to 3 litres. Plastic bags may not be given away free of charge.

RuleWhat applies
National deposit return scheme in operationDeposit on drinks containersYes [1]
Containers coveredDeposit on drinks containersPlastic bottles with water or soft drink, up to 3 litres, Metal drink containers (cans), up to 3 litres [1]
Deposit per containerDeposit on drinks containers; Plastic bottles over 0.35 and under 1 litre€0.15 per container [2]
Deposit per containerDeposit on drinks containers; Plastic bottles of 1 litre or more€0.25 per container [2]
Deposit per containerDeposit on drinks containers; Metal drink containers up to 3 litres€0.15 per container [2]
Plastic carrier bag rulePlastic carrier bagsCharge required [3]
Price of plastic carrier bagsPlastic carrier bagsShops set their own price per bag. The government page gives EUR 0.25 as an indicative price. [3]
Bag thickness rulePlastic carrier bagsFree bags are allowed only if thinner than 0.015 mm (15 microns), and only for the permitted food uses. [3]

Notes

  • On 4 September 2026 the Dutch government proposed extending the deposit to all plastic bottles up to 3 litres and changing return rules, intended from 1 January 2028. This is a proposal, not law.
  • Glass containers are not named in articles 12 and 13. The Rijksoverheid page says only cans with the deposit logo and barcode carry a deposit.
  • The regulation sets the minimum deposit per container type.
  • Free very thin bags are allowed only in set cases: protecting food from contamination, preventing food waste, and sealed bags in airport tax-free shops.

Sources

  1. Wetten.nl (overheid.nl): Besluit beheer verpakkingen 2014 (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Wetten.nl (overheid.nl): Regeling beheer verpakkingen (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Rijksoverheid: Verbod op gratis plastic tassen (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

Compare all countries →

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.