The key objectives for Member States focus on transitioning towards a circular plastics economy, enhancing plastic recycling, reducing plastic waste, and curbing marine litter. By 2030, all plastic packaging placed on the EU market must be recyclable or reusable in a cost-effective manner, and over 50% of plastic waste should be recycled, supported by improved separate collection systems and increased recycling capacity.

These objectives relate to cities and regions, as they play a role in implementing waste management policies, expanding recycling infrastructure, and raising public awareness on sustainable plastic use. Local authorities must improve waste sorting, enhance extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes, and support deposit return systems, which can significantly boost recycling rates.

Furthermore, cities are encouraged to reduce single-use plastics, implement innovative circular economy solutions, and promote sustainable alternatives through green public procurement. Addressing marine litter is another priority, requiring regional cooperation, especially in coastal areas, to manage waste effectively and prevent plastic pollution in waterways and oceans.

The Dutch legislative framework on packaging and plastic waste aligns closely with the EU Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy. The Environmental Management Act (Wet milieubeheer) and its supporting decrees and regulations reflect the EU’s overarching goals by implementing stricter waste management rules, promoting extended producer responsibility (EPR), and targeting single-use plastics (SUPs) in accordance with EU directives.

The Decree on Single-Use Plastic Products (Besluit kunststofproducten voor eenmalig gebruik) and its corresponding regulation contribute to the EU’s objective of curbing plastic waste and littering, a key pillar of the strategy. Additionally, the Decree on Extended Producer Responsibility (Besluit regeling voor uitgebreide producentenverantwoordelijkheid) follows the EU’s push for EPR schemes, which are designed to make producers financially responsible for the lifecycle of their products, fostering better recyclability and sustainable design.

The Decree on Plastic Drinking Bottles (Besluit maatregelen kunststof drankflessen) and Decree on Metal Beverage Packaging (Besluit maatregelen metalen drankverpakkingen) support the EU’s vision for increased separate collection and higher recycling targets, contributing to the EU’s goal of recycling more than 50% of plastic waste by 2030. Overall, the Dutch framework operationalizes EU-level ambitions by enforcing national measures that directly support the circular plastics economy. More information can be found here.

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