Austria’s switch to a deposit system for single-use plastic bottles and aluminum cans began on January 1. Three months in, the nonprofit Recycling Pfand Österreich, responsible for implementation, reports a smooth start. “There were no major incidents, in any direction,” said Managing Director Simon Parth. In the first 13 weeks, 26 million containers marked with a deposit symbol were returned, added co-director Monika Fiala.
Currently, around 6,000 reverse vending machines and 8,000 manual return points (such as food stands, bakeries, and cafeterias) are available. The goal is to recycle approximately 2.2 billion bottles and cans annually. Although Austria is the 18th country in Europe to implement such a system, Parth emphasized the country’s experience with reusable deposit systems gives it an advantage. Many machines previously used for reusable bottles were simply adapted for single-use.
Return Rate Still Pending
An exact return rate isn’t yet available, with Parth saying a reliable figure will come by the end of the year. However, the transition is happening faster than expected: “By summer, it will be hard to find products without a deposit logo,” he predicted. Old non-deposit containers can still be sold until the end of the year, which has led to some confusion among consumers when reverse vending machines reject containers.
Responsibility for the Full Recycling Chain
Recycling Pfand Österreich oversees the full logistical chain, from return points to sorting facilities, and manages the entire refund clearing system. “If something fails in the process, we’ll know immediately,” said Fiala. A consumer hotline and online support channels are also in place to handle questions.
The system aims to contribute to a circular economy and reduce litter. Since each container is worth 25 cents, people are incentivized to return them. Austria aims to increase its return rate from 70% to 90% by 2027, two years ahead of the EU’s directive under the Single-Use Plastics regulation. Unclaimed deposits will be reinvested into improving the system.
Fiala also noted that, under EU rules, producers must now include at least 25% recycled content in PET bottles. “That means producers need to get part of their materials back,” she said. With the new system, that loop is finally being closed in Austria, which was not previously the case.
