18 October 2023
Since 1 July this year, consumers have been required to pay an additional levy, known as the plastictax, on disposable cups and containers. However, this measure, introduced to reduce plastic consumption, is now being questioned by the House of Representatives. A proposal by the political party SP to abolish this tax already has the support of a majority in the House.
The reconsideration comes as consumers continue to buy disposable plastic unabated. According to the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT), the current plastic tax is difficult to implement and enforce and offers opportunities for fraud. VVD MP Erkens described it as an unnecessary burden on consumers and entrepreneurs.
Although the plastictax aims to reduce the flow of plastic waste – the Dutch throw away 19 million plastic cups and packaging every day – its implementation has been criticised. The ministry proposed 25 cents for a cup and 50 cents for a container as the levy. However, in many cases this levy turns out to be only 1 cent, removing the financial incentive to make eco-friendly choices.
Looking at countries such as France, which has much stricter regulations on disposable plastic and encourages reusable alternatives, we see that stricter government regulation does have an effect: disposable disappears there for reusable alternatives.
We at Plastic Soup Foundation believe that a complete ban on disposable plastic is the right step for the Netherlands. Together, we can make a difference and reduce the plastic soup! Until then, we should follow France’s good example: instead of repealing the extra tax, actually tighten it.
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