The last time the deposit rates for bottles were changed in 1993, exactly 25 years ago. From September 3, 2018, the minimum stake is two kroner. The increases are assumed to increase the percentage of returned packaging, which is currently the highest in the world. In Norway, around 86% of bottles and cans are recycled.
The percentage of bottles returned is expected to increase
Currently, approximately 86% of bottles and cans in Norway are returned. According to Kjell Olav - director of the Infinitum company that operates the returnable packaging system - this is it highest rate in the world. Raising bail rates is intended to make things even better. This percentage is expected to increase to 90%.
For the benefit of the environment
Recycling cans and bottles is important for the environment. The production of plastics causes significant emissions of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Additionally, examples of other countries show that the lack of an effective returnable packaging system increases the amount of rubbish in forests and in cities.
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Higher deposit
From September 3, a higher deposit will be charged at the cash desks and at the machines collecting empty packages. The new rates are 2 CZK for new bottles and cans and 3 CZK for packaging with a capacity of more than 0,5 liters. It is worth remembering that the previous rates still apply to packages purchased before the changes were introduced.
There have been attempts to raise the rates once
This year's increases were the first since 1993, although in 2013 attempts were made to increase the deposit rates, but to no avail. Work on the project lasted until the summer of 2017, when a decision was made to suspend it. Then the government sent its proposal for consultation in parliament.
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Should the deposits be higher?
The popular opinion is that the bail rates should be even higher. According to the authorities, it is important to keep the balance. If the rates were raised in such a way that they were higher than in neighboring countries, this would risk importing more drinks from abroad. This would be due to higher prices of Norwegian products. This, in turn, would contaminate Norway with foreign packaging that cannot be recovered in the Kingdom. The government is also concerned that higher rates increase the risk of counterfeit labeling and may also lead to other frauds (more on regjering.no).
