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Description

The Lithuanian “deposit return system”, to give consumers an incentive to return used beverage
containers for recycling. To combat litter and increase collection and recycling rates, consumers would
pay a deposit amount of €0.10 when purchasing eligible drink containers, to be refunded when the
empty container is returned for recycling. The legislation applies to glass, non-refillable plastic and
metal beverage containers. To make returns convenient for customers, the Lithuanian government
chose a ‘return-to-retail’ system which means stores selling beverage containers must also receive used
containers back for recycling. Consumers are refunded their deposit as vouchers that can be redeemed
in store as cash or credit toward their shopping bill, bringing additional foot traffic into stores.

Packaging can be returned throughout most of Lithuania, with this option available in shops with an
area of more than 300 m2 or village shops

Major achievements

- 2,163,370,953 packages have been returned since 2016.

- 56 000 tonnes of material have been collected since 2016, equal to 6 Eiffel Towers.

- 97% of consumers are satisfied with the system.

- 97% of the population claimed the deposit system is necessary.

- 93% of consumers admitted that the introduction of such a system encouraged them to treat their
waste more responsibly.

- The 2025 targets set by the Lithuanian Government have already been surpassed.

- Since the start of the system Lithuania has prevented 152 400 tons of CO2 emissions.