August the 1st, 2026 – Croatia’s deposit return system is set for its biggest expansion since it was introduced, with major changes coming into force from the 1st of January, 2027.
Poslovni reports that consumers will soon be able to return far more than just plastic bottles, glass bottles and cans, as the government plans to include additional types of beverage packaging in the scheme.
Under the new rules, the 10-cent refundable deposit will also apply to multilayer carton packaging, commonly known as Tetra Pak, which is widely used for milk, dairy drinks and fruit juices. In addition, all beverage containers smaller than 200 millilitres, previously excluded from the system, will also be covered. As a result, these products will cost 10 cents more at the checkout, with shoppers receiving the money back when they return the empty packaging.
Supporters say the expansion will boost recycling rates and reduce waste, bringing Croatia’s recycling system closer to broader European circular economy goals. However, manufacturers and retailers argue they are not yet ready for such a significant change.
Industry representatives warn that Croatia currently lacks sufficient facilities to recycle multilayer carton packaging and that most shops do not have reverse-vending machines capable of accepting Tetra Pak containers. Instead, retailers would have to collect them manually, raising concerns over hygiene, storage space and additional staffing requirements.
The business sector also expects higher operating costs. Producers of milk, dairy products and juices say adapting to the expanded scheme will require new investments, while retailers will face increased handling costs. Those expenses, they warn, could ultimately be reflected in higher consumer prices beyond the 10-cent refundable deposit itself.
Business groups, including the Croatian Employers’ Association, have called for the introduction of the new rules to be postponed until the necessary infrastructure is in place. They argue that expanding the system while businesses are also preparing for new EU packaging regulations places an additional burden on the sector.
The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition has acknowledged the request for a delay but says the industry has known about the planned changes since 2023, when the relevant regulations were adopted. Officials maintain there has been ample time to prepare and say they are working to ensure the expanded deposit return system begins operating as scheduled on 1 January 2027.
If implemented on time, the reform will mark the largest change to Croatia’s deposit return system to date, extending financial incentives for recycling well beyond traditional plastic bottles, glass bottles and cans.
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