Several new laws will come into effect on July 1, 2024.
One of these laws mandates that all plastic caps must now be attached to bottles and cartons, despite criticism.
Another new law allows grandparents to take parental leave.
Halfway through 2024, several new laws and regulations will be enforced. Among these, it will become easier to evict criminals, and grandparents will be able to take parental leave.
Additionally, loose plastic caps will become a thing of the past when a new EU directive is implemented.
Many people have been frustrated since the introduction of non-detachable caps on bottles and milk cartons. However, starting in July, practically all caps on beverage containers must be attached, according to the EU directive.
Aiming to Reduce Littering
The law applies to all beverage containers under three liters. The goal is to reduce plastic pollution in nature, which is a significant problem.
All caps made of plastic must now be attached to the bottle or carton, with exceptions for glass and metal bottles. The new design has caused frustration as the fixed caps can easily lead to spills and make it harder to close the containers.
However, Johanna Ragnartz, CEO of Keep Sweden Tidy (Håll Sverige rent), welcomes the new directive.
“Plastic litter is increasing, especially from caps. We conducted a litter survey in Sweden and found 130,000 caps in one week.”
Better Solutions on the Horizon
Ragnartz also believes that producers will find new, better solutions for how the caps can be attached without causing major issues.
“This is like the first generation. The law has come very quickly, and producers haven’t had much time to find a solution. I believe they will take the criticism into account, and over time we will likely see new solutions,” she says.
Try to Remove the Cap During Recycling
For those wondering how to sort waste when the packaging consists of both carton and plastic—such as a milk carton—it is acceptable to throw the whole package into carton recycling. The plastic cap will be separated when it reaches the recycling center.
“But the even better way is to separate the plastic from the carton. Only 30 percent of all consumer plastics are recycled, and we need to increase plastic recycling,” says Johanna Ragnartz.
OTHER LAWS COMING INTO EFFECT
Here is a selection of the new laws taking effect on July 1, 2024:
- Parental Leave for Relatives: Parents of young children can transfer some of their parental leave days to relatives, such as grandparents. However, the person receiving the days cannot work, seek employment, or study while taking the parental leave.
- Easier Eviction of Criminals: It will become easier to evict tenants who commit crimes that negatively impact the local environment for other residents. This applies even if the crime occurs at a distance from the apartment. It also applies if the tenant commits crimes that could provoke retaliatory actions.
- Criminalization of Holocaust Denial: Denying, excusing, or downplaying the Holocaust will be punishable as incitement against an ethnic group.
- Increased Gambling Tax: The gambling tax will rise from 18 percent to 22 percent.
- Changes to Bookkeeping Law: It will no longer be necessary to keep receipts and invoices in paper form if they have been scanned or photographed. However, the transfer to digital form must be done correctly.
SpotlightSweden