In the first half of 2023, a total of 490 million beverage bottles and cans were returned, and 1.3 billion containers have been collected since the system for returning PET bottles and cans was launched in Slovakia at the beginning of 2022, Environment Ministry State Secretary Katarina Butkovska told a press conference on Thursday.
The return rate for the first half of 2023 reached 88 percent, approaching the target of 90-percent return rate by 2025. The overall deposit rate currently stands at 77 percent.
"The highest deposit rate is in Bratislava region, followed by Nitra and Kosice regions. However, the differences between the regions aren't dramatic and the result is comparable throughout Slovakia," said Butkovska.
More than 60 percent of collection points are voluntary. Only outlets with an area of over 300 square metres are obliged to have these collection sites, smaller outlets can join the system on a voluntary basis.
The PET bottle and can deposit system in Slovakia was launched on January 1. All disposable plastic and metal containers with volumes of 0.1-3 litres are subject to the deposit system. The only exceptions are containers for milk, cordials and spirits.
Source: TASR
