France abandons mandatory bottle deposit, opts for voluntary local schemes

France's Ministry of Ecological Transition announced the cancellation of plans for a compulsory deposit system on beverage containers, following extensive consultations with local governments, the recycling sector and beverage manufacturers. Instead of a uniform national rule, the deposit scheme will be introduced only in municipalities that voluntarily opt in, respecting regions that already record strong collection performance.

Officials highlighted the wide disparity in collection rates across the country, noting that some areas already meet high standards while others lag far behind. The decision aligns with EU legislation that permits member states to deviate from mandatory deposits if certain conditions are met, as the bloc aims for a 90% selective collection rate for drink bottles by 2029. In Poland, the climate and environment minister said discussions with operators will set new goals for the country's own deposit system, which began in October 2025 and has already gathered billions of containers.