Slovaks have handed in more than 70 million deposit cans and bottles at collection points in less than 4 months since the launch of the deposit system in Slovakia. Moreover, the use of the option to return beverage packaging is expanding at an increasingly rapid pace.
"I am pleased to see that our assumption that the PET bottle and can deposit system will gain a lot of support and acclaim in Slovakia is coming true," comments Roman Postl, Managing Director of TOMRA Collection Slovakia. The company also appreciates the approach of the retailers who have shown active interest in joining the network of collection points and have been well prepared for the launch of the new system.
Bottles and cans, which belong to the deposit system are marked with a Z symbol encircled by two arrows. The basic rule is that bottles and cans should be handed in unbroken and with a legible barcode. This is the only way the deposit machine/hand scanner can verify them and pay the deposit back
Currently, according to the External Relations and Communications Director of the Deposit System Manager, Lucie Morvai, almost 2,300 take-back points have been launched in Slovakia. "We already have more than 1,000 smaller shops registered in the system that take back packaging voluntarily," explained Lucia Morvai.
According to the rules, all disposable plastic and metal beverage containers with a capacity of 0.1 to 3 litres belong to the deposit system. Exceptions are milk, syrup and hard alcohol bottles. The amount of the deposit is the same for PET bottles and cans - 15 eurocents. The distributor must indicate the price of the beverage separately from the deposit on the packaging, which is then charged to the purchaser at the checkout. The legal obligation to collect empty packaging is imposed on shops with an area of more than 300 square metres; other shops can join the system voluntarily.
