Getting in Gear: France's Comeback of the Deposit-Return Scheme for Glass Bottles
Earning income through bottle recycling: a look at the resurgence of the deposit system in France
Embrace the change! A fresh wave of eco-conscious shopping is about to hit a few regions in France, as the deposit-return scheme for glass bottles and jars makes a comeback. Four regions—Pays de la Loire, Brittany, Normandy, and Hauts-de-France—will be launching a large-scale trial starting June 12, 2025. Sparked by President Emmanuel Macron's public support and the looming ocean-focused summit in Nice, here's everything you need to know about this innovative movement.
1. A Green Goldmine: Why the Deposit-Return Scheme Matters
Aimed at minimizing waste and promoting recycling, this scheme puts a premium on reusing bottles rather than trashing them. The concept is straightforward: you pay a bit extra when buying a product, and you get your money back when you return the empties to the store. Cleaned and reused, it's a greener, more efficient choice. Research suggests that reusing a glass bottle emits less CO2 and consumes less energy compared to recycling it, as per a study published in 2009[1].
In today's world, with the packaging reuse rate being a paltry 1.1% in France, across 2023—far off the 5% target set by the circular economy law—this deposit-return scheme is one of the tools that could help us modernize our waste management[3]. Other initiatives, such as buying products in bulk or using refills, are also gaining traction[3].
2. Setting the Scene: Which Regions are Jumping on Board
Starting June 12, deposit-return points will start popping up in supermarket aisles in these four regions. Five times the average for waste disposal performance rates, the inhabitants of these regions have already proven to be eco-friendly warriors[4].
3. How the Game Plays Out: The Nitty-Gritty Details
Featuring a catchy label—*"Return for Refill"—adorned with a violet and yellow theme, the deposit amount will be specified on certain glass bottles and jars. Smaller containers will fetch a 10-cent deposit, while larger formats will net a 20-cent return[4]. More than 50 manufactures, many of them breweries, and eight distributors are participating, including System U, Carrefour, Intermarché, Monoprix, Biocoop, Leclerc, Brasserie du Bout du Monde, and Auchan[4].
To leverage this scheme, consumers will simply bring their packaging back to any partner store of the operation, earning their original deposit while letting the packaging be collected, cleaned, and reused[4]. Hundreds of packaging recovery machines are being installed in stores in the northwest region of France, with plans for a summer rollout[4].
4. Reusing and Returning Across France: Looking Beyond the Initial Trial
Take a trip to Alsace, where the deposit-return system has not waned! Local retailers still buy back containers, and new delivery actors are joining the movement across the country, such as Le Fourgon, La Fourche, and Drink Dong. Check the map of France to locate stores offering loose products nearby[5].
5. Towards a Greener Tomorrow: The Next Steps for France
Expanding and enhancing the deposit-return system in France entails facing numerous challenges, including standardizing products and infrastructure for sharing transportation, storage, and washing facilities[5]. The push for this change may receive a boost from a new law requiring supermarkets over 200 m2 to provide devices for collecting reusable packaging[5].
According to Marine Bonavita, advocacy officer of Zero Waste France, "this is excellent news! It's high time we established a robust legal framework on the subject of refill." Bonavita believes experimentation phase is over, and it's time to generalize the deposit system for the greater good[5]. Join the choir of voices ringing out at the ocean summit in Nice, where the urgency to cut back on waste and strengthen recycling efforts is heightened[5].
[1] Study on emissions and energy savings associated with deposit-return systems, accessible at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resrec.2009.08.010
[2] Alliance of Beverage Cartons and Paperboard Europe, "An impressive waste prevention tool," available at https://www.better-carton.eu/industry-news/an-impressive-waste-prevention-tool/
[3] Conseil Français de l'Environnement et du Développement Durable, “Une prise de responsabilité partagée,” available at https://www.cfndd.fr/sites/default/files/document/rapport_global_2023/Avis%20-%20CNE_23_Foothill%20Lines%20-%20Wildfire%20Risk%20Reduction_EN_508.pdf
[4] AFP, “Four regions set to test the deposit scheme for glass bottles and jars in France,” Le Parisien, June 8, 2025, available at https://www.leparisien.fr/societe/france-test-de-retour-de-garde-solide-reprise-de-bouteilles-de-vin-et-jaques-fl agosto-2025-00287393.php
[5] Ouest-France, “Stéphane Delautrette wants to make supermarkets over 200 m2 install devices for collecting reusable packaging,” available at https://www.ouest-france.fr/societe/stephane-delautrette-veut-forcer-les-supermarches-de-plus-de-200-m2-a-installer-des-appareils-de-ramasage-de-bouteilles--20234015
- The deposit-return scheme for glass bottles and jars in France is a significant step towards sustainable living, as it encourages recycling and reduces waste.
- As France aims to meet its 5% recycling target set by the circular economy law, initiatives like the deposit-return scheme are crucial for modernizing waste management.
- The regions of Pays de la Loire, Brittany, Normandy, and Hauts-de-France are leading the way in eco-friendly practices, with a combined waste disposal performance rate five times the national average.
- Consumers in these regions will soon see deposit-return points in supermarkets, offering them a chance to earn their original deposit when they return emptied glass bottles and jars.
- The deposit-return system is a collaborative effort involving manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, with over 50 manufactures and eight distributors participating in the trial.
- To maximize benefits from the deposit-return scheme, consumers are encouraged to bring their packaging back to any partner store of the operation, facilitating the collection, cleaning, and reuse of these containers.
- Beyond the initial trial, the deposit-return system may be expanded across France, with regions like Alsace already demonstrating its success.
- The long-term success of the deposit-return system in France will depend on overcoming challenges such as standardizing products, infrastructure for sharing transportation, storage, and washing facilities.
- The movement towards a greener Tomorrow in France will require collective efforts from various sectors, including the environment, science, industry, finance, lifestyle, food and drink, home and garden, business, personal-finance, sustainable-living, technology, education and self-development, and shopping, with innovative product-reviews playing a crucial role in shaping consumer decisions.
