Innsbruck starts a deposit project: trash can with Pfandringen for a clean city!

Innsbruck starts a deposit project: trash can with Pfandringen for a clean city!

Innsbruck, Österreich - The city of Innsbruck has started with a new pilot project that implemented pawn aids in public space. This is in the context of the disposable deposit system that has been in force in Austria since January 2025, which aims to improve the separation and collection of bottles and cans. As 5 minutes , the introduction of Pfandringen is a central component of this initiative.

The project includes a test run with two variants: smaller pawn rings are attached to public garbage bodies, while larger pawn islands act as independent collection points. In the first phase, two of these Pfand Islands are set up on the Franz-Gschnitzer promenade and a pawn ring on the market square. Furthermore, seven pawns are to be installed in the GDR.-Alois-Lugger-Platz and in the Olympic Park, which is planned from summer 2025. The project is implemented by the office for a climate -neutral city.

goals and advantages of the pledge project

An essential goal of the deposit aid is to reduce the residual waste in public space. In addition, the city is aiming for an increase in recycling rates in order to reduce disposal costs in the long term. In this context, social responsibility is also emphasized because the project supports people who rely on pawns. As Stadtklima and Environment City Councilor Janine Bex explains, one would like to raise awareness of the value of raw materials and the responsible use of resources.

At the same time, the disposable deposit system is introduced in Austria, which applies to beverage packaging with a volume between 0.1 and 3 liters. The deposit amount is 25 cents per one-way plastic bottle or metal can. The returned packaging is fed to the recycling cycle in order to be able to prepare them. The specific requirements for this are, among other things, that sales outlets that lead the Pfandlogo are obliged to take back disposal packaging, which makes it easier to return for consumers ( Environmental counseling , Austria.gv.at ).

effects and challenges

The introduction of the disposable deposit system could also lead to challenges. Traders face high costs for new withdrawal machines and their maintenance. It is also feared that the reusable rate could decrease, although a mandatory reusable rate for 2024 is planned. These concerns underline the need to promote the existing reusable deposit system in order to maintain sustainability.

The pilot project in Innsbruck could therefore play an important role in waste management and environmental protection by bringing both ecological and social aspects together.