Bulgaria’s Soft Drinks Sector Supports Deposit Return System
The Association of Soft Drinks Producers in Bulgaria (ASDPB) said Tuesday at a BTA press conference that it is ready to participate in the development of a deposit return system (DRS) in Bulgaria. ASDPB Executive Director Zhanna Velichkova commented that such a system is among the most effective methods for packaging waste management. She explained that the system works on the principle of financial incentive, where a small deposit is added to the price of a beverage and refunded when the empty container is returned to a store or special collection machine.
Velichkova added that introducing a deposit system would significantly contribute to achieving the European Union’s targets: 90% separate collection of plastic and metal packaging by 2029, and at least 30% recycled plastic in every bottle by 2030. She also noted that the European model is industry-managed, which has proven to lead to successful outcomes.
