site.btaAuthorities Urged to Fast-Track Deposit System for Beverage Packaging Ahead of EU Deadline

Bulgaria must urgently accelerate the introduction of a national deposit return system for beverage packaging if it is to meet binding European Union targets, the Economic and Social Council said in a resolution adopted at a plenary session and made public Friday.

In its resolution titled "Accelerated Introduction of a National Deposit System – a Strategic Tool for Circular Use of Beverage Packaging", the Council describes the reform as being of national importance, with direct impact on the internal market, businesses, municipalities and consumers.

The resolution notes that under EU Regulation 2025/40, deposit systems are placed at the centre of packaging waste policy. Member states are required to achieve at least 90% separate collection of single-use beverage packaging by 2029 and comply with binding minimum recycled plastic content requirements for new bottles.

According to the Council, this means Bulgaria must have a fully operational deposit system in place by 2029. However, it warns that the country has yet to meaningfully start the implementation process and faces a substantial workload in developing the necessary legal and regulatory framework.

Among the Council’s key recommendations are universal system coverage and equal access for consumers, including in small settlements; clear separation of the deposit value from the product price, with full reimbursement not resulting in additional household costs; transparent and efficient governance based on the principle of extended producer responsibility; predictable and cost-effective conditions for industry; fair compensation for retailers; and an effective consumer protection control mechanism.

The Council calls for a transparent, coordinated and predictable legislative framework, prepared in line with good law-making practice, including impact assessments and broad public consultation. It urges the swift finalization of draft legislation currently being developed by a working group at the Environment Ministry, involving industry, municipalities and civil society.