Dutch government rejects new national ban on cigarette filters, disposable vapes
The Dutch government will not pursue a national ban on single-use plastics such as cigarette filters and disposable vapes, and it will also not introduce a deposit system for squeezable packaging used for drinks, soap, or detergent. The cabinet said national legislation targeting environmentally harmful disposable products is too legally uncertain and that such measures are better handled at the European level. The decision was outlined in a letter from ministers Van Veldhoven (Climate), Hermans (Public Health), and State Secretary Bertram (Infrastructure and Water Management), who also said a proposed beach smoking ban is not feasible due to "insufficient local enforcement capacity."
On cigarette filters, the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) reported in April that roughly 9 billion filter cigarettes are sold annually, with many cigarette butts ending up on streets and in the environment. The filters contain cellulose acetate, a type of plastic that breaks down so slowly it can persist in the environment for years, according to RIVM.
When it comes to disposable vapes, the government noted they must be disposed of with residual waste, but they can ignite fires in garbage trucks and waste processing facilities. The vapes also frequently end up in the environment. However, a national ban would conflict with the European Tobacco Products Directive, according to the cabinet.
Belgium has managed to introduce a ban by using an exemption rule, but Dutch officials said they do not believe the Netherlands can follow the same path. They said an "EU-wide ban seems the most promising option" and added that the Netherlands will advocate for such a measure in Brussels.
The cabinet also ruled out a deposit system for squeezable packaging, which is increasingly used for dairy products, fruit drinks, soap, and detergent. These containers are frequently taken outdoors and often end up in the environment. Officials said it is currently not possible to implement a deposit scheme for these packages because existing collection machines are not suitable for handling them.
