Spain Starts New Deposit System: Get 10 Cents Back for Recycling Packaging
Listen to the story
A new deposit law has come into effect in Spain, changing how people buy drinks in bottles and cans.
Under this system, shoppers now pay an extra 10 cents when they buy certain drinks. This money is refundable.
To get the 10 cents back, customers must return the empty packaging so it can be recycled.
The supermarket chain Mercadona has clarified exactly how this refund process will work for its customers.
From 12 August, bars and restaurants across Spain will also apply this extra supplement to drinks.
In the region of AndalucÃa, the way people buy drinks has changed too. Shoppers will pay more upfront, but they can recover the money later.
The main aim of the law is to reduce waste and encourage more recycling of drink packaging.
This new deposit system is part of a wider effort in Spain to improve sustainability and reduce plastic and glass waste.
Businesses, from large supermarkets to small local bars, must now adapt to the new rules and inform their customers clearly.
For consumers, the change means slightly higher prices at first, but a chance to get money back through recycling.
Vocabulary11 words
- deposit
- money paid first, then given back later
- packaging
- the container around a product, like a bottle
- recycle
- to process used materials so they can be used again
- supplement
- an extra amount added to a price
- sustainability
- using resources in a way that protects the future
- refundable
- able to be paid back
- region
- a large area within a country
- consumer
- a person who buys goods or services
- waste
- unwanted material thrown away
- upfront
- paid at the start, before getting something back
- clarify
- to make something clear or easy to understand
Quiz
Answer key
1. Return the empty packaging for recycling 2. 12 August 3. To reduce waste through more recycling
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
A new _____ law has come into effect in Spain, changing how people buy drinks in bottles and cans.
Under this system, shoppers now pay an extra 10 cents when they buy certain drinks. This money is _____.
To get the 10 cents back, customers must return the empty _____ so it can be _____.
The supermarket chain Mercadona has _____ exactly how this refund process will work for its customers.
From 12 August, bars and restaurants across Spain will also apply this extra _____ to drinks.
In the region of AndalucÃa, the way people buy drinks has changed too. Shoppers will pay more _____, but they can recover the money later.
The main aim of the law is to reduce _____ and encourage more recycling of drink packaging.
This new deposit system is part of a wider effort in Spain to improve _____ and reduce plastic and glass waste.
Discussion questions
- Do you think a deposit system like this is a good way to encourage recycling? Why or why not?
- How might this law affect the way people shop for drinks?
- Should other countries introduce a similar deposit system? Explain your view.
- What challenges might small bars or restaurants face when applying this new rule?