Austria's one-way deposit system: Record numbers for recycling!

Austria's one-way deposit system: Record numbers for recycling!

In Austria, the newly introduced one-way deposit system achieved positive results in the first six months after its implementation. Between seven and nine million disposable deposit containers are returned every day, which underlines the high acceptance of the system among consumers. Around 75 percent of Austrians support the one-way deposit system, while around 80 percent feel well informed about its processes. This emerges from a current market agent survey conducted by Small newspaper was published.

The deposit containers are usually returned within seven to eight weeks. From January 1, 2025, the disposable deposit regulation for plastic bottles and metal cans will apply in Austria. Their goal is to keep raw materials such as plastic and aluminum in circulation and to reduce the throwaway culture. The aim for the current year is a collection rate of 80 percent, with the ambitious goal for 2027 even being 90 percent. Austria therefore already meets the EU requirements for 2029, which ensures the country plays a pioneering role in the area of ​​circular economy.

Successful return structures

The infrastructure for returning deposit containers is comprehensive: There are around 6,200 return machines available in Austria, which take back 98 percent of the disposable beverage packaging in stores. Only 2 percent of returns are made to alternative collection points, such as cinemas or bakeries. Returns are possible regardless of size, quantity, brand and place of purchase, which increases usability and access for consumers. The conditions for returns are clearly defined: disposable deposit packaging must be returned empty, uncrushed and with a label, according to information from OTS.

This structure is a key advantage of the one-way deposit system, which has now been implemented in 18 EU countries, including Austria. Former Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler was positive about the start of the program. However, there are also critical voices: The FPÖ sees the deposit system as a burden for families and retired citizens and has launched a petition entitled “STOP bottle deposits – for fair consumption instead of new burdens”.

Insight into the European comparison

The system in Austria joins a number of successful deposit systems in Europe, such as the 18-year-old system in Germany, which is considered one of the most successful. This system has led to a return rate of over 98 percent and supports waste reduction and resource conservation through the principles of “extended producer responsibility,” explains DPG. The principle of EPR aims for manufacturers to take responsibility for waste management and contributes to the sustainable use of resources within the EU.

With the new one-way deposit system, Austria is determined to significantly reduce the environmental impact of single-use packaging while at the same time promoting a high level of acceptance among consumers. The coming months and the targeted increase in the response rate will show whether the system can achieve its goals.