Did you know Belgians throw away millions of euros in deposits every year, just like that? It sounds shocking, but it's true. And the good news: it's easy to avoid.
A small habit with a big impact
In 2025, a full 11,980 tonnes of reusable glass ended up in Belgian glass banks. That's the equivalent of around 49 million bottles, worth almost €5 million in lost deposits.
These aren't ordinary glass bottles, but so-called return bottles. They're perfectly reusable and therefore don't belong in the glass bank. Yet they still end up there too often.
The reason? Many people don't yet have the habit of checking the label.
Look at the label: do you see the return logo?
The solution is actually very simple: check the label and look for the return logo before throwing away a bottle.
That small logo makes a big difference. Do you see it? Then the bottle doesn't belong in the glass bank, it needs to go back to the shop. There, you get your deposit back.
Good for your wallet and for the environment
Losing your deposit is a shame, of course. But there's more to it.
Reusable bottles are part of a circular system: they're collected, cleaned and refilled. When they end up in the glass bank, that possibility disappears.
By returning them correctly:
- you save raw materials
- you lower energy and water consumption
- you help keep materials in circulation for longer
The CO₂ emissions of reusable glass can be up to 10 times lower than those of single-use bottles, provided the system works well. And as a consumer, you play a crucial role in that.
Why does it still go wrong so often?
The problem lies mainly in habitual behaviour. Many people automatically throw their glass into the glass bank without checking the label first.
On top of that, the return logo still isn't widely known enough. And that's exactly what this new campaign aims to change.
First test campaign in three municipalities
To reinforce this habit, Fost Plus and EcoWerf are launching a test campaign in:
- Kortenaken
- Glabbeek
- Lubbeek
What can you expect?
- eye-catching stickers around the glass banks
- posters in public spaces
- posters at supermarkets
All with one clear message: check the logo before you throw away the bottle.
Based on this test, a wider rollout will be considered at a later stage.
Mostly beer bottles
The largest share of return bottles ending up in the glass bank are beer bottles. Not surprising, given Belgium's strong tradition of reuse in the beer sector.
That's exactly why it's so important to pause and check the label there too.
Together we make the difference
Reuse is becoming increasingly important in how we handle packaging. But the system only works if everyone takes part.
So next time you want to throw away a bottle:
👉 take one extra second
👉 check the label
👉 and look for the return logo
A small effort, with a big impact, for you and for the environment.