Czech Government Approves Bottle and Can Deposit System

The news in Czech

Translation

The Czech government has approved a plan to introduce a deposit system for PET bottles and aluminium cans. This system aims to aid recycling and reduce waste. It proposes a deposit of four korunas per bottle or can. Parliament will now debate this proposal. If approved, it will come into effect in 2025.

Exercise: Text comprehension

Question 1: What items will have a deposit under the new system?

The new system will have a deposit on PET bottles and aluminum cans.

Question 2: When might the deposit system start if it is approved by the parliament?

If approved, the deposit system might start in 2025.

Exercise: Vocabulary

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▌11/10/2024

The Czech government has given its approval to a novel legislative plan aimed at establishing a deposit system for PET bottles and aluminium cans. This significant move, spearheaded by the Ministry of Environmental Protection, aims to enhance recycling efforts and reduce environmental waste.

The proposed system, as outlined by Environment Minister Petr Hladík, aims to implement a deposit of four Czech korunas for each PET bottle and aluminium can. However, the exact deposit amount will be further detailed in an upcoming official decree. The legislative proposal, which has received the government's nod, will next be examined by the Czech Parliament.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to meet the European Union's directive, which requires member states to retrieve at least 90% of the weight of plastic beverage bottles by 2029. Czechia's current recycling rate for both plastic bottles and aluminium cans lags behind this target, necessitating robust measures to close the gap over the coming years.

Czech Government Approves Bottle and Can Deposit System (Illustration)

The legislation, if passed by Parliament, is expected to become effective from 1 January 2025, with the deposit scheme slated to roll out one year later. Furthermore, the proposal includes provisions for a recycling fee on manufacturers of promotional leaflets and seeks to limit the distribution of unsolicited advertisements.

Despite these ambitious goals, the plan has encountered resistance. It faces criticism from some municipalities and business associations, highlighting concerns over potential cost implications and administrative burdens. Nonetheless, the Czech government remains committed to pursuing sustainable environmental practices through the adoption of this deposit system.

This legislative move marks a significant step for Czechia towards sustainable waste management. As the government prepares for parliamentary discussions, the outcomes of these deliberations will be keenly watched by both environmental groups and industry stakeholders.

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