In Belgium, the law on service packaging has undergone a dramatic change as a result of the new Inter-regional Cooperation Agreement on packaging and packaging waste. Belgium’s three regions are responsible for waste management policy. They operate in the framework of a cooperation agreement for packaging and packaging waste.
With effect from January 2010, producers and importers, as opposed to retail outlets, will be responsible for submitting a declaration to Fost Plus, the authorised, not-for-profit organisation which assumes the take-back and information obligations relative to household packaging waste on behalf of its member companies.
Service packaging is packaging provided in the outlet where the customer buys, consumes and/or is offered a product or service, often while the customer is actually present. This waste includes bags provided at the check-out, small plastics meat containers, bread bags, disposable cups, wrapping paper available at the check-out, takeaway pizza boxes and disposable packaging used for ready-made meals.
Previously, all service packaging manufactured in or imported into Belgium and destined for the Belgian market had to be taken back by the country’s retail outlets indicated in the declaration submitted to Fost Plus. With the introduction of the new Interregional Cooperation Agreement, this procedure will change.
From 2010, producers and importers, rather than retail outlets, will be responsible for service packaging, and for fulfilling the take-back and information obligations.
This can be achieved in two ways: either the party responsible for packaging puts in place a system for collecting and recycling its own waste packaging, or it can become a member of Fost Plus.
Membership involves signing a membership contract, submitting an annual declaration; and paying a contribution to Fost Plus.
Two types of declaration can be submitted to Fost Plus: either a detailed declaration where the composition of each item is described in depth, or a simplified declaration where the total weight by packaging material is indicated for all service packaging placed on the Belgian market in a given year.
