From 2025, Austria will introduce a new one-time deposit for aluminium cans and plastic bottles. 25 cents will be charged per package. The majority will be returned to the circuit by machines, the rest by hand. Exceptions apply.
Preparations are in full swing and supermarkets are already equipped with deposit machines in many places. “Our goal is a smooth process for the consumer,” say the heads of Recycling Pfand Austria, Monika Fiala and Simon Parth. The new deposit system is intended to prevent ‘litter’ (waste on the streets) and to strengthen the circular economy.
Returns via machine and manual
In concrete terms, from 2025 onwards, a deposit will apply to all PET bottles and metal cans with a capacity of 0.1 to 3 litres; consumers will recognise this by a uniform deposit logo. 25 cents will be charged upon sale. It is important that you return the packaging empty, undamaged and provided with a label. In principle, everyone who sells them must take back the cans and bottles. It is estimated that 90 percent of the returned containers will be put back into circulation via vending machines. Otherwise, a “manual return” is also possible.
A retailer who only sells 0.5 liter PET bottles only has to take them back. There are exceptions for sales via vending machines; these pay a compensation fee, which does not apply if there is a return machine nearby. Restaurants that deliver food also do not have to take anything back. In that case, compensation will be due.
The return shipment should be made in ‘usual quantities’ and the bags should be collected regularly – sometimes even daily. This is to prevent plastic bags from piling up in small snack stalls.
Exceptions for syrup, milk and medicines
Syrup is completely excluded because it is not ready to drink. Milk and medicines (such as cough syrup) are also not included. In general, tetrapacks are not affected by the new system.
The producers urgently need the collected plastic in the future. Plastic bottles must consist of at least 25 percent recycled material from next year. In 2029, the EU countries will have to meet a collection quota of 90 percent; in Austria this will happen in 2027. The goal is to put 2.2 billion cans and bottles into circulation by 2025.
The first months of 2025 are still changing
In early 2025, despite the change, there will probably still be old bottles and cans on the shelves. The deposit bottles will only be delivered from 1 January and the transition will take a maximum of three months.
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
