This complete guide teaches you how to sort your garbage in Vienna, including returning your glass bottles.

Starting in 2025, Austria will introduce new deposit rules (Pfand) for returning empty aluminum cans and plastic bottles. Here’s a complete guide to help you sort your garbage properly in Vienna.

Waste Categories in Vienna Explained

In Vienna, garbage falls into several main categories:

1. 1. Paper Waste: Dispose of newspapers, cardboard, and packaging in the green bins with a red lid, typically found in apartment buildings.
   2. General Waste: Grey-black bins are for general waste that doesn’t fit into other categories.
   3. Glass Waste: Use separate public bins for white and colored glass, usually located near parks. Make sure to remove any corks or lids.
   4. Lightweight Packaging: Plastic bottles, metal cans, and Tetra Paks are placed in lightweight packaging bins, which are often grouped with glass bins.
   5. Bio-Waste: Food scraps should go into special bio-waste bins found in some buildings and near restaurants or parks.
   6. Hazardous Waste:
      • Batteries can be dropped off at supermarket collection points near cashiers.
      • Electronics can be returned to stores like MediaMarkt or one of Vienna’s 13 Mistplätze (waste collection centers). The complete list of locations and opening hours is here.

Understanding Pfand – Austria’s New Deposit Rules

Starting January 2025, Austria will have a uniform 25-cent Pfand deposit on aluminum cans, plastic, and glass containers. You’ll pay this deposit upon purchase and get it refunded when returning the container to supermarkets via machines or at the cashier. Containers with a Pfand symbol are eligible, while some exceptions apply, such as milk, medical products, and syrups.

It’s estimated that around 2.2 billion bottles and cans will be returned annually under the new system. Additionally, new regulations require plastic bottles to have at least 25% recycled material starting next year.

FAQ About Waste Sorting in Vienna

Where can I dispose of batteries in Vienna?
You can drop off used batteries at most supermarkets, near the cashier, or at Mistplatz.

How to recycle plastic bottles in Vienna?
Plastic bottles belong in lightweight packaging bins, often found near glass recycling bins.

What items are excluded from the Pfand deposit?
Exceptions include milk, medical products, and syrups.

Where are Vienna’s Mistplätze located?
There are 13 Mistplätze across the city. Check this link for a complete list and opening hours.