Bottle deposit in Spain from 2026: How the new system will work

Spain is planning to introduce a nationwide deposit system for single-use beverage containers (SDDR – Sistemas de Depósito, Devolución y Retorno), which is set to take effect in 2026. Similar to Germany, the nationwide deposit, return, and recycling system for beverage packaging aims to significantly increase the recycling rate of plastic containers. The introduction of the deposit system is a response to years of pressure from environmental organizations such as Greenpeace, with Spain aiming to recover up to 90% of single-use beverage containers.

The new system is expected to apply to plastic bottles, cans, and glass bottles up to 3 liters in volume, initially covering water, beer, and soft drinks. Returns will be possible both manually and via automated machines. The system will be financed by the beverage industry and retailers as part of the extended producer responsibility (EPR) framework.

Why is Spain now introducing a deposit system? The country lags significantly in recycling single-use beverage packaging. In 2023, only about 41% of plastic containers were correctly recycled, falling well short of the target collection rate of 70%.

The current Spanish system, which relies on yellow recycling bins, has proven insufficient. Of the 51 million beverage containers generated daily in Spain, only around 20 million are properly recycled. The planned SDDR deposit system aims to:

• Increase the recycling rate to 90-95%

• Reduce waste in yellow recycling bins by 15%

• Meet EU regulations, which require a 70% recycling rate by 2025 and 90% by 2029

The Spanish government is compelled to act, as the country failed to meet EU targets for 2023. Spanish law mandates that if recycling goals are not met within two years, a nationwide deposit system must be introduced.

The new deposit system in Spain is set to take effect from November 2026 for single-use beverage containers made of plastic and aluminum. Consumers will pay a deposit when purchasing these beverages, which will be refunded upon returning the empty packaging. Collection points will be established nationwide, including supermarkets and other retail outlets, which must provide return machines or collection points. The exact deposit amount has not yet been determined but will likely be aligned with existing systems in other European countries.

For companies selling beverages in Spain, the deposit system introduces new obligations. They will need to contribute to the organization and financing of the system. Implementation details will be further developed in the coming months to ensure a smooth launch.

The planned Spanish deposit system already includes a range of regulations:

Affected packaging:

• Plastic bottles and cans up to 3 liters

• Covers water, juices, soft drinks, energy drinks, and alcoholic beverages

Deposit amount:

• At least 10 cents per unit

Return options:

• Manual returns or automated return machines

• Retailers and supermarkets can choose their preferred system

Labeling:

• Special markings for SDDR packaging to prevent misplacement in waste streams

Financing:

• Funded by the beverage industry and retailers under the extended producer responsibility framework

The introduction of a deposit system brings both environmental and economic changes. With a higher return rate for single-use containers, recycling rates are expected to increase significantly, and environmental pollution from discarded bottles and cans will be reduced. Additionally, a more stable market for recycled materials will emerge, contributing to long-term resource conservation. It is anticipated that fewer plastic bottles will end up in nature, especially in tourist hotspots like Mallorca.

For companies selling beverages in Spain, the system also entails new responsibilities. They must contribute to funding, organize collection and sorting, and adapt to changed logistics processes. Retailers will need to allocate space and resources for return machines, which poses a particular challenge for smaller stores.

For the deposit system to succeed, it must be both feasible for businesses and easily accessible for consumers. The infrastructure for returns – such as supermarket machines – must be in place in time. It also remains to be seen how the new system will integrate with existing recycling structures.

With its planned deposit system introduction in November 2026, Spain is at the beginning of a development that is already well established in many European countries. Compared to pioneers like Germany, which has had a comprehensive deposit system since 2003, or Scandinavian countries, where deposit systems have existed since the 1990s, Spain lags behind. Countries such as Croatia, the Netherlands, Austria, and the Baltic states have also successfully implemented deposit systems, achieving high return rates of over 90%.

While Germany operates a centralized, mandatory system with uniform deposit amounts (25 cents for single-use bottles and cans, 15 cents for most reusable bottles, 8 cents for reusable beer bottles), other countries use different models. Scandinavian countries often apply tiered deposit fees based on packaging size, while Lithuania and Latvia have successfully tested digital return systems.

Other Southern European countries like Portugal and France are in a similar position to Spain, only just beginning to establish deposit systems. Spain’s introduction could serve as a catalyst for further EU nations such as Italy, aligning with the broader European trend towards improved recycling rates and compliance with EU directives.

The planned introduction of the deposit system in Spain presents both opportunities and challenges for the country. By implementing the system, Spain takes an important step toward a circular economy, with the potential to significantly improve recycling rates, reduce public space pollution, and recover high-quality secondary raw materials for industry.

At the same time, businesses and retailers face new challenges. Integrating the deposit system into existing structures, establishing return points, and adapting logistics processes will require time and investment.

In the long run, however, the deposit system offers clear benefits: it can strengthen recycling infrastructure, conserve resources, and bring Spain in line with the successful models of other European countries.