Give back crushed doses: This is how it works with the deposit machine!

Give back crushed doses: This is how it works with the deposit machine!

A new disposable deposit system has been in force in Austria since the beginning of 2023. Consumers can return empty disposable packaging such as plastic bottles and doses with pawn logo in many supermarkets and shops. The return is usually carried out via return machines, which pay out 25 cents per piece. In the event of problems with the return, for example, if the machine does not accept crushed doses, it is advisable to ask the personnel for support.

The employee has the opportunity to accept the can manually and pay the deposit as long as barcode and pawn logo are clearly recognizable. However, if the barcode or the Pfandlogo are badly damaged, return is not possible, and the packaging concerned must be disposed of in the yellow sack or in the yellow bin. A tip to avoid such problems: Crush the cans only after returning or pay attention to it when collecting it not too damaged, reports Kosmo .

return locations and procedures

Sales points that lead a Pfandlogo are obliged to withdraw these disposable pawn packaging. Several sales outlets can set up a joint return point at heavily frequented locations such as shopping centers, train stations or airports. This return point must be in the immediate vicinity of the sales outlets, and the deposit bons that are issued there can also be redeemed nearby. The withdrawal can take place both manually and via machines. When it comes to manual withdrawal, however, the sales outlets are only obliged to take back the usual amount of sales and filling, which applies, for example, to bakeries, such as ÖSTM.GV.at explained.

It should be emphasized that from January 1, 2025, consumers in Austria can also return packaging without a pawn logo, but without a pandering equipment. These may be filled by March 31, 2025 and sold by the end of 2025. According to Christian Prauchner, chairman of the federal committee, the system was well prepared and training courses were carried out for the sales staff and information campaigns for consumers. This should help ensure that the return works smoothly.

conclusion and outlook

The Austria Chamber of Commerce and the Federal Committee Food Trade have contributed significantly to the implementation of the disposable deposit system and draw a positive balance. Christoph Atzmüller, Managing Director of the Federal Committee of Food Trade, is optimistic about the high response rate that is to be achieved with this system. It is considered an important step in climate protection to promote the recovery of materials and reduce the consumption of disposable packaging. wko reports that it is also the goal to continuously improve and make the system more efficiently.