Deposit - Why is a deposit added?

In some countries, such as Belgium and the Netherlands, a deposit system exists on beer bottles. This deposit system is introduced to raise awareness of ecology and recycling. Indeed, the introduction of a deposit allows for the recycling and reuse of packaging, but also for the reduction of the production of bottles and waste.

The deposit consists of paying a few cents for the glass bottle when you buy your beer. The amount paid is recovered when the bottle is returned to a collection point (e.g. libraries, supermarkets, etc.). In order to support the ecology, Belspirits also introduces this deposit system, which is why a deposit is automatically added when you order a beer.

The amount of the deposit varies mainly according to the format: €0.10 for 33 cl beers and €0.20 for 75 cl beers.