The Dutch cabinet wants to expand the bottle deposit system to cover plastic juice and dairy bottles, ensuring deposits apply to all plastic drink containers.
The plan would also drastically expand the network of return points across the country.
Under the proposal by Climate and Green Growth Minister Stientje van Veldhoven-van der Meer, the tightened rules are meant to force industry to hit statutory targets.
The legal standard requires collecting 90% of plastic bottles, but last year collection reached only 78% for bottles and 86% for cans.
Mandatory return points for most shops
If approved by parliament, the rules will take effect on 1 January 2028.
Almost all retail locations larger than 50 square metres that sell drinks will be legally required to take back empty bottles and cans.
Stores larger than 200 square metres will also have to pay out deposits in cash.
The obligation will extend beyond supermarkets to include chains such as Hema and Action, along with DIY stores, garden centres, and cinemas.
Small kiosks, local neighbourhood convenience shops, and meal takeaway spots will be exempt.
Retailers will also have the option to team up and provide a single shared return point within 150 metres.
Hygiene concerns over dairy bottles
Packaging organisation Verpact, which represents major brands, supports the mandatory collection rule for retailers but raised concerns about dairy products.
Chief executive Hester Klein Lankhorst noted that dairy has a different bacteriological makeup than sweet drinks, risking sticky residues and pests.
Environmental organisation Fair Resource Foundation welcomed the mandate, stating that containers should be returnable wherever they are sold.
The group also expects more drop-off locations to help municipalities tackle the scavenging and tearing open of street rubbish bins.
For more on what to do with everyday waste, see our guide to recycling in Amsterdam.
