France has dropped plans to introduce a nationwide mandatory deposit-return system for plastic beverage bottles, instead proposing voluntary schemes at a local level.

The French Government said in a statement on 4 September that it would not require local authorities to implement a deposit system for plastic bottles, following a three month consultation involving municipalities, beverage companies and recycling organisations.

Under the revised approach, France will encourage a ‘voluntary and territorial’ deposit system with local programmes potentially prioritised in areas where plastic bottle collection rates remain low.

The decision marks a reversal of plans revised by President Emmanuel Macron earlier this year to expand bottle deposits nationwide. The proposed system would have involved consumers paying a small deposit when purchasing bottled drinks and receiving the money back when returning empty containers through collection points.

Local media reported that French government representatives had strongly opposed a nationwide mandate, arguing that a deposit return system could divert valuable plastic bottles away from municipal recycling streams while leaving communities responsible for the costs associated with existing collection infrastructure.

The decision was welcomed by local authority groups, which have argued that recycling policy should take account of differences in local infrastructure and collection systems; however, for manufacturers, the announcement represents a setback in efforts to increase plastic collection rates.

France’s decision comes as the European Union moves towards tighter requirements on packaging waste and reuse.

Under EU rules, 10% of drinks are to be sold in reusable packaging by 2030.

Several EU countries have already introduced mandatory deposit return systems for plastic beverage containers.