Last year, it was still anyone’s guess: what rules would apply to single-use plastic cups and containers (SUP)? That uncertainty is now over. In his letter to parliament dated 19 December 2025 (in Dutch), the State Secretary announced a new direction. Other packaging news: you can now simply return empty deposit bottles and cans in your own neighborhood.

Single-use plastics: what changes, and for whom?

Working in an office, a commercial building or an educational institution? For you, little will change. The ban on SUP packaging will continue to apply. Reuse is the norm, and it will remain so.

On-site consumption in the hospitality sector, at (closed) events, day attractions or a sports club? Experience shows that reuse is often more difficult to achieve in these sectors. That is why an exception has been created for businesses to still use SUP packaging for on-site consumption, subject to three strict conditions:

1. used cups and containers are collected (at least 85% in 2026)

2. the collected cups and containers are recycled, and

3. to make use of the exemption, you must be registered with the ILT and keep records.

Consumption on the go in the hospitality sector, in supermarkets, at (open-air) events and at petrol stations? The mandatory surcharge for coffee cups and other to-go SUP packaging will be abolished. The obligation to offer customers a reusable alternative remains in place.

One important caveat these changes have not yet been incorporated into the law. The regulations are expected to come into force from 2027. Until then (up to and including 31 December 2026), the State Secretary has instructed the ILT not to enforce the surcharge or the ban on SUP packaging for on-premises consumption. Enforcement of the other parts of the SUP regulations remains possible as usual.

Deposit refunds: return them just around the corner

The statutory collection target for deposit refunds is 90%, but this target is not being met. In 2024, 77% of plastic bottles and 84% of cans were returned. Statiegeld Netherlands hopes that opening collection points in residential areas is a step in the right direction. Local residents, sports clubs and event venues can register as voluntary collection points and receive a fee for doing so. Following a trial, there are already more than 250 neighborhood locations in operation. The deposit bottles and cans are collected at these points in a reusable bag and taken away by the parcel delivery driver. Consumers receive the deposit amount easily on their phones via a Tikkie.

Questions about what these rules mean for your business? Feel free to get in touch.