PET-container collection systems in Europe

This report presents the results of a TNO study of the present situation in Europe with regard to PET-bottle recycling. The overview concentrates on the main PET-bottles consuming countries in Europe i.e.: France, Italy, Spain and the UK. In addition the system in Belgium is presented. Applying a statistical forecasting model to existing data from European collection systems it is forecast that a recycling rate of about 40Vo is achievable in the year 2000 for Italy and France. The collection of PET in the UK is not as advanced as in the former countries. However, with the data available it is forecasted that with the present system it is expected that about 12% wlll be recycled in the year 2,000. The introduction of a legalised system in the UK may improve the situation. In the case of Spain, many obstacles still have to be overcome before PET-recycling will be effective, although some positive developments can be mentioned from public initiatives. The effect of the introduction of an eco-tax in Europe is still difficult to forecast depending on which way the levies will be applied (i.e., a levy on new material or discarded material). On average, for all countries in Europe, recycling of PET containers should reach a level close to 15% contributing to the EU-target of at least 15% material recycling for all plastics packaging. The collection systems studied are either drop-off systems or kerbside collection. Both of these systems have their draw-backs, either in capture rate, quality or in costs. Improvements of the collection systems may be necessary or a quite different approach could be followed. TNO is of the opinion that the return shop might be one of the best future options to use in conjunction with or as an alternative to the current systems. A promotional campaign is proposed for this alternative.