Unauthorized Additional Fee: Waste Deposit at Nova Rock 2024 Unlawful

A controversial "waste deposit" of 20 euros has now brought legal consequences for the Nova Rock Festival 2024. The Association for Consumer Information (VKI) filed a lawsuit on behalf of the Ministry of Social Affairs against Nova Music Entertainment GmbH - and won. The Supreme Court (OGH) agreed with the reasoning of the lower courts: The waste fee is unlawful.

OGH deems waste contribution at Nova Rock 2024 inadmissible

According to the organizer, the waste deposit was collected on site in cash: 20 euros, of which 10 euros were refunded upon return of a half-full garbage bag. The other 10 euros were retained as a "waste contribution" - regardless of whether waste was actually produced. Even visitors with backpacks or without camping equipment were affected.

The OGH clarified that waste disposal is part of the organizer's fundamental duties - and may not be charged separately. It constitutes an inadmissible additional service.

Refund only for half-full garbage bags

The highest court was particularly critical that a partial refund was only granted upon return of a "at least half-full garbage bag" - regardless of the actual amount of waste. Visitors who produced little or no waste were disadvantaged by this. The court saw no reasonable justification for this regulation.

(Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.