We talk about it a lot: plastic disposable cups and containers. Every day, 19 million pieces are thrown away in the Netherlands after a single use. One use! And some of it ends up as litter in the environment. It is high time to change this, and fortunately the government agrees. Rules have been in place since 2023, but starting in 2026 things get serious.
The idea is simple: reuse must be bigger than disposable. That is why, since July 1, 2023, a mandatory fee applies for take away and delivery for plastic cups and containers. And since January 1, 2024, disposable plastic is no longer allowed for on site consumption. From 2026, a fixed fee of 0.25 euro per order, stricter enforcement, and a clear goal will be added: 40 percent less disposable plastic in 2026 compared to 2022. Disposable should become the exception, reusable the norm, not because it is required, but because it works.
These rules are part of the EU Single Use Plastics SUP directive, which simply means: less plastic, less waste, more reuse. From 2026, the system for fees will change: businesses can no longer set the price for a plastic cup or container themselves. One price applies to everyone: 0.25 euro per order. No surprises, no variations per business, just clear and fair.
What does this mean in practice? If you order something to go, you will always pay 0.25 euro for a disposable plastic cup or container. Bring your own cup or container, and you often pay nothing extra and sometimes even get a discount. For on site consumption, reusable cups and dishes remain the standard, with exceptions only for closed events and care facilities.
For businesses, this means the variable fee disappears and a fixed price applies. The rules for reusable dishes on site remain in place, and enforcement will be stricter, so it is important that your processes are in order. At the same time, it is an opportunity to encourage customers to bring their own container, which is good for the environment and can also be financially advantageous.
Why does this work? Reuse is smarter. Less waste means lower costs and less hassle. It benefits not only the environment but also your organization: less disposable purchasing, less waste processing, and satisfied customers who want to make a difference. In short: a win win win.
In summary, from 2026 disposable cups and containers for take away will have a 0.25 euro fee, the old variable fee disappears, on site enforcement becomes stricter, and the goal of 40 percent less disposable plastic continues in full force. Reuse becomes the norm, disposable the exception, and honestly, that just feels better.
