Two important requirements of the Packaging Act of 2004 will enter into force on 1 May 2005. The deposit requirement will be applied to the packaging of beer, low-alcohol beverages and non-alcoholic beverages. The sellers’ obligation to accept back all packaging waste will apply to all other sales packages. Therefore, two different systems for the collection and recovery of packaging will be implemented: the deposit system of the above-mentioned beverage packaging and the collection system of other sales packaging (from plastic bags of bread and cartons of milk to the packaging of a computer or a fridge). As of 1 May, consumers can return beverage packaging subject to deposit to the shop where the product was bought or to some other store selling similar goods. Sellers are required to accept back the packaging and pay the deposit to the consumer for packaging marked with a corresponding symbol. Upon the purchase of packaging on which a deposit has been established, the consumer has already paid separately for the packaging, and when returning the packaging, the money is paid back. Therefore, it is not worthwhile collecting other beverage packaging, hoping to receive a deposit for them. The system proceeds from the principle that deposit is paid for packaging for which the consumer has already paid, i.e. for marked packaging. Returnable packaging must have retained the initial shape and the relevant marking and bar code should still be clearly legible. It is not possible to pay the deposit for compressed packages. Those who are interested will find further information on returning beverage packaging under the banner of questions frequently asked by consumers on the web page www.envir.ee. According to Mr Peeter Eek, Head of the Waste Department of the Ministry of the Environment, points of sale have a right to assign their obligation to accept back packaging subject to deposit to another point of sale located in close proximity. “Although the principle of close proximity gives the sellers an opportunity to transfer their obligation to another seller, this may not cause additional inconvenience to consumers,” Mr Eek explained. All other sales packaging waste will be collected either in points of sale or through the packaging organisations operating nationwide that have been accredited on the basis of the Packaging Act. The sellers are not required to accept back sales packaging with the marking of an accredited packaging organisation. Consumers can return sales packaging waste free of charge. The Minister of the Environment has accredited the private limited company Eesti Pandipakend (www.eestipandipakend.ee) as the beverage packaging deposit organisation. Non-profit associations Eesti Taaskasutusorganisatsioon (ETO, www.eto.ee) and Eesti Pakendiringlus (www.pakendiringlus.ee) have been accredited as other sales packaging organisations or so-called multi-material organisations. Both the deposit for specific beverage packaging and the general obligation to accept back other sales packaging will be effective as of 1 May 2005. As for the deposit, a transitional period is provided until 1 August 2005, during which time it is allowed to sell beverages without a deposit marking. Further information: |
