Disposable Deposit: Preparations Completed

The new single-use deposit is intended to prevent careless waste disposal in nature. As announced by the Ministry of Climate Protection, preparations have been completed in all sectors. New return machines can already be found everywhere in supermarkets.

Transition Periods and Exceptions for New Single-Use Deposit

In order to ensure the best possible transition, transition periods also apply. All newly produced containers must already be equipped with the deposit logo - they are subject to the deposit system. Already produced containers may still be sold until the end of 2025. "The deposit era is now beginning in Austria," quoted Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens). Every bottle and can that is returned is a contribution in the fight against waste in nature.

The key points of the system include a uniform deposit amount of 25 cents, the scope of application for all types of beverages and containers with a volume between 0.1 and three liters, with the exception of milk and milk mixed drinks. Stores that sell beverages also take them back. According to the ministry, there are facilitations for small stores without machines. All deposit containers are also marked with a uniform symbol. The collection of the deposit is mandatory for all importers and producers. The sales outlets are obliged to take back empty containers. Those without return machines only have to take back those containers that they also offer and only as much as they usually sell to individual customers.

The financing of the overall system is provided by the contributions of the producers (producer fee) taking into account the proceeds from old materials and the deposit slip (containers for which a deposit was paid but not collected). The deposit system is organized and operated by the central agency "EWP Recycling Pfand Österreich gGmbH". The owner is the "Trägerverein Einwegpfand", which all producers and returnees can join. The Ministry of Climate Protection has comprehensive participation and control rights.

(APA/Red)

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