In a significant step towards reducing waste and promoting recycling, four regions in France have reintroduced a glass bottle deposit scheme. Starting this Thursday, consumers in Brittany, Pays-de-la-Loire, Normandy, and Hauts-de-France can return their glass bottles to participating supermarkets and earn between 10 to 20 cents per bottle, depending on its size. This initiative, spearheaded by recycling specialist Citeo, aims to encourage the reuse of glass containers, thereby cutting down on energy and water consumption associated with recycling.

The scheme targets a wide range of glass containers, including beer bottles, juice bottles, and soup jars, marked with a distinctive purple sticker indicating their eligibility for return. Supermarkets such as U, Carrefour, Intermarché, Monoprix, Biocoop, and E. Leclerc are among the nearly 750 stores participating in this pilot program. The initiative not only offers an economic incentive for consumers but also represents a greener alternative to traditional recycling methods, which consume significantly more resources.

Behind the scenes, the returned bottles will undergo a thorough cleaning process, being washed five times before they are ready for reuse. This method is not only more environmentally friendly but also revives a practice that was common in France until the 1980s and remains prevalent in countries like Belgium and Germany. The standardization of bottle sizes is a key component of the program, facilitating the reuse process and reducing the environmental footprint of packaging.

If successful, the glass bottle deposit scheme could be expanded nationwide, with the ambitious goal of reusing 85% of glass containers. This would not only significantly reduce the energy required for packaging treatment but also mark a pivotal shift in France's approach to waste management and sustainability. As the program rolls out, it offers a glimpse into a future where circular economy principles are seamlessly integrated into everyday consumer habits.