The Knesset’s Economics Committee ruled Dec. 1 for the extension of the 2001 Bottle Deposit Law also to apply to large plastic bottles of 1.5 liters or more — a decision hailed by environmentalists. This means that starting in December, consumers will pay a deposit fee for large plastic bottles, and will get that fee back when they return the bottles to the supermarket. Until now, the deposit mechanism was implemented only to small plastic bottles.
Environmental Protection Minister Gila Gamliel said after the meeting, "We are sharpening the equation that makes big bottle manufacturers and businesses responsible for the pollution they produce. Thanks to the Deposit Law, we will lead the path to clean public spaces and lower the cost of living for consumers, which will result in a direct profit of about 60 million Israeli shekels [$19 million] for consumers. We see these big bottles [dumped] in nature reserves, streams and open spaces. As of Dec. 1, 2021, the situation will change."
