Starting on July 1, 2023, the Netherlands will impose a tax on disposable plastic cups and food packaging for takeaway and delivery, as announced by their document on new rules for disposable plastic cups and containers. In addition, a reusable alternative must be offered. By January 1, 2024, the use of disposable plastic food packaging for dine-in options will be prohibited.
The government recommended prices for plastic articles are:
- 0.25 EUR for cups
- 0.50 EUR for a meal (which may include several pieces of packaging)
- 0.05 EUR for pre-packaged vegetables, fruit, nuts, and portion packs.
These rules apply to all single-use plastic cups, even articles that are only partly made of plastic (e.g., plastic coating). For food packaging, the rules only apply to ones out of which food can be directly eaten without preparation and that are made entirely of plastics. The same rules count for bioplastics. Not included are bags and wrappers.
Reference
Dutch government information for entrepreneurs (May 5, 2023) “New rules for disposable plastic cups and containers.”
