Flat glass recycling fee

Are you a manufacturer and/or importer of insulating glass (flat glass) in the Netherlands? Then you must pay a fee for the recycling of flat glass.

What is flat glass?

Flat glass is a collective term for types of glass used for homes, offices, and other commercial premises. For example, windows, doors, and frames. It is also known as plate glass or sheet glass.

Paying a recycling fee

All manufacturers and importers of insulating glass must pay a recycling fee per square meter to the Vlakglas Recycling Nederland foundation (Stichting Vlakglas Recycling Nederland, VRN). You must submit a quarterly report to the VRN via the Onafhankelijke Administratie Vlakglas (OAV, in Dutch). If you import occasionally or very small quantities, you can file an annual report.

Do you import flat glass and does your supplier charge you the recycling fee? You do not have to pay the recycling fee to VRN yourself. If you are not sure whether you have to pay the fee or not, you can check the VRN’s flowchart (in Dutch).

Refund of recycling fee for export

Do you export insulating glass to other countries? Then you can reclaim the recycling fee through the OAV. You have to prove that you paid the fee and that you actually exported the insulating glass. For example, by providing a copy of a waybill.

Disposal or collection of flat glass waste

You must dispose of your flat glass waste at a VRN collection point. Is there no collection point near you? Then you can rent a container (in Dutch). You can then have the container collected or exchanged.