Free distribution of plastic bottles

The 2020 anti-waste law, known as AGEC, calls for the end of all single-use plastic packaging by 2040. Its article 77 puts an end, on January¹, 2021, to the free distribution of plastic bottles containing beverages in ERP and business premises. This concerns both plastic bottles offered at meetings, parties, breaks, etc., and the plastic water bottle on the patient's meal tray. When questioned by C2DS, the Bureau de la Prévention et de la lutte contre le gaspillage of the Ministère de la Transition écologique et de la Cohésion des territoires clarified that we "speak of free distribution when the end consumer does not have to pay for the bottle [...]". This obligation echoes another provision enshrined in article 77 of this law, which stipulates that ERP buildings accommodating more than 301 people must be equipped with freely accessible water fountains.