Three organisations launch digital deposit pilot project

Three organisations will test out digital deposit systems in Flanders in the coming months. They are Unbox, Twintag-Verhaert-Cegeka and DDRS Alliance. The results of these pilot projects should allow a decision to be made in autumn 2023 on which deposit system will be introduced for cans and plastic beverage containers by 2025. The Flemish government wants to introduce deposits to combat litter.

The public call for pilot projects on digital deposits yielded 14 applications. A steering committee selected the three organisations. Those selected will be asked to submit a concrete project proposal to start pilot projects before the summer.

Three locations

Each of those selected has also been asked to test their technology in three different locations: in a closed environment (e.g. a company), a semi-open environment (e.g. a holiday park) and in an open environment (e.g. a municipality). If the pilot projects are not successful, the traditional deposit system with return machines is an option.

Clarity

The pilot projects should bring clarity by autumn on whether (and how) a digital deposit system can be introduced. 

Cd&v MP Tinne Rombouts expressed concern about the possible introduction of the digital deposit. According to her, scanning bottles, cans and bags with a smartphone lowers accessibility and convenience. "We should avoid creating a kind of foert behaviour by doing so," Rombouts said.

Vilt.be