House of Representatives wants to scrap plastic surcharge: turns out it may not be such a good idea
Old news: since 1 July, we have had to pay for using single-use plastic packaging. The plastic surcharge, that is. But now it turns out that the House of Representatives doesn’t find that surcharge quite so plastic fantastic after all. And that’s why they want to get rid of it as soon as possible.
Why? Because the plastic surcharge and the rules that come with it are simply impossible to enforce. Add to that the fact that it can easily be defrauded, and it’s clear that the surcharge simply cannot be maintained. The Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) had already concluded this earlier—even before the plastic surcharge came into force—but now the House of Representatives sees it too.
Unclear plastic surcharge rules
The rules surrounding the plastic surcharge have always been vague. For example, you do have to pay the surcharge when you pick up your order at the snack bar, but not when you eat it on the premises. Another thing: the amount of the surcharge was never officially established. Businesses were allowed to determine it themselves. Many restaurants and supermarkets opted for a symbolic surcharge of one cent. But really, what difference does that one cent make to you as a consumer? It’s not necessarily going to make you leave that plastic container behind.
Unhygienic
Business owners have always thought the plastic surcharge was a flop. As an alternative to plastic, consumers were encouraged to bring their own pan, container, plate or cup. One small caveat: that proposal goes directly against all hygiene regulations. In short, the plastic surcharge is literally and figuratively a mess—and the House of Representatives is (finally) realizing that too.
Bullying
The Socialist Party (SP) spearheaded the proposal to abolish the plastic surcharge. Besides considering the surcharge untenable, they also believe it doesn’t really lead to greater sustainability among producers. Their proposal is supported by a majority of the House. Even the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), which previously supported the introduction of the plastic surcharge as a member of the cabinet, has had enough of the measure. VVD MP Erkens even says (via NOS) that consumers and business owners are being bullied with the surcharge. And we all know: bullying needs to stop as soon as possible.
Exciting twist
Whether the bullying over the plastic surcharge will actually stop anytime soon remains to be seen. The ministry will consider the House of Representatives’ proposal, but the cabinet does not really want to say goodbye to the surcharge yet. Outgoing Climate Minister Jetten, for example, says that businesses actually need the surcharge to pay for alternatives to all that plastic. So the exciting twist in the plastic surcharge soap opera has yet to deliver a happy or not so happy end. We are eagerly awaiting the next episode.
Also read:
- Snack bars are angry: those plastic containers are a very different story
- Collecting deposit bottles is a major flop: here’s why
- What’s better for the environment: plastic cling film or aluminum foil?
Sources: Misset Horeca and NOS
