The end of the era of free plastic cups

Europe is committed to reducing the environmental impact of single-use plastic, and to reusing and recycling more plastic. These goals are reflected in EU Directive 2019/904 on single use plastics (Single Use Plastics, SUP), which, along with other EU members, is also followed by the Netherlands. In particular, from July 1, 2023, buyers/clients will have to pay extra for disposable cups and plastic containers with drinks and takeaway food.

How should entrepreneurs act?

Entrepreneurs more not allowed to offer for free disposable cups, trays and containers that are wholly or partly* made of plastic. The buyer/customer must pay an additional amount on top of the price of food or drinks. This applies if the customer picks up food and drinks himself or orders their delivery. For example, if he buys coffee at the train station, takes French fries with him at a diner, buys a salad at a supermarket or a sandwich at a gas station.

*Travel beverage cups may look like paper cups, but they contain a plastic layer that makes them watertight. The same goes for many types of paper containers.

Entrepreneurs can decide for themselves how much they will charge for disposable tableware containing plastic. The government makes recommendations:

• €0,25 for beverage containers;
• €0,50 for food containers (possible for several trays);
• €0,05 for small portion packs for vegetables, fruits, nuts, toppings and sauces.

Also, entrepreneurs should offer buyers/customers an alternative to single-use plastic. You can choose one option or offer customers both options at once:

• Option 1. You can fill with food and drinks reusable dishes that the client will bring with him.
• Option 2. Offer containers for which you need to pay a deposit and which can then be returned.

plastic apocalypse

19 million plastic cups and food packaging are thrown away every day in the Netherlandswhich were used only once. We often see this waste on the street, roadsides, in the bushes. To reduce the amount of garbage, the government is taking steps to make reuse the norm. The aim is to reduce the use of disposable cups and plastic containers in the Netherlands by 2026% by 40.

Secretary of State for Infrastructure and Water Management Vivianne Heijnen comments on the innovation as follows: “We want to leave the world clean for our children and grandchildren. The new rules will help with this, because they will reduce the amount of waste. We use too much single-use packaging, and we should strive to reuse it. Everyone can contribute by bringing their own cup or container to the cafe, or by choosing a glass or container with a deposit and then returning it. Let's work together to make reuse the standard."

We also remember that the government is taking other steps this year to help protect the environment from garbage. In particular, how do we wrote, from April 1, 2023, beverage cans must be sold with a deposit. And even earlier a similar rule introduced for plastic bottles.