New deposit system in Austria: How to get your money back!

New deposit system in Austria: How to get your money back!

Österreich - Austria introduced the new disposable deposit system on January 1, 2025, which presents consumers with a challenge. Bottles and doses now cost 25 cents more, but this money can be brought back when the packaging is returned to the deposit machines available almost everywhere. The new regulation affects all bottles and doses between 0.1 and 3 liters, whereby the packaging must be clearly marked with a pawn logo. As 5min.at , some packaging is excluded, such as beverage cartons and glass bottles with plastic lids. It is important that the return must be undamaged and with a complete label.

return conditions and exceptions

The deposit packaging can be withdrawn at all sales outlets that issue them. Special regulations apply to heavily frequented places such as shopping centers or train stations, where several sales outlets can set up joint return offices, as reported Austria.gv.at . It is important that the return point must be in close proximity to the sales outlets. In manual return, the sales outlets only have to withdraw the usual sales quantity, which is particularly relevant for smaller business. In contrast to other types of drinks, such as milk or food packaging for medical purposes, the deposit does not have to be paid for.

With this measure, Austria strives to reduce plastic waste and thus promote recycling. Consumers are called to follow the new regulations to avoid unwanted costs and ensure that they get their deposit back.