One year after the introduction of the single-use deposit system for drinks packaging, Recycling Pfand Austria can draw a positive balance. With a collection rate of 81.5 per cent, the target set for 2025 has been achieved. Environment Minister Norbert Totschnig and Managing Director Monika Fiala see the system as an important milestone for the circular economy.
A single-use deposit system for plastic and metal drinks packaging has been in place in Austria since 1 January 2025. The aim of the measure is to keep valuable raw materials in circulation, conserve resources and reduce littering. After the first full year, the results are positive: With a collection rate of 81.5 per cent, the statutory target of 80 per cent has been achieved.
In 2025, around two billion returnable bottles and cans were put into circulation. By 31 December 2025, around 1.4 billion of these containers had been returned and reintroduced into the material cycle. Taking into account the different container weights and the average dwell time between first placing on the market and return of around 51 days, this results in a collection rate of 81.5 per cent.
„2025 was an extremely exciting year for us. With the introduction of the single-use deposit system, we have implemented one of Austria's largest circular economy projects. With a collection rate of 81.5 per cent, people in Austria are now collecting more containers than ever before: bottle to bottle or can to can is now a reality.“
Monika Fiala, Managing Director of Recycling Pfand Österreich
A representative survey commissioned by Recycling Pfand Österreich confirms the broad acceptance of the system. Around three quarters of consumers are in favour of the one-way deposit system and 85 percent feel well informed. Nine out of ten respondents know that packaging requiring a deposit can be recognised by the Austrian deposit symbol. Around 75 per cent of respondents cite a clean environment as the most important benefit, followed by the contribution to the circular economy.
Returns mainly via vending machines
The nationwide take-back system comprises around 16,300 return points, of which more than 6,400 are vending machines in stores. Around 98 per cent of single-use drinks containers are returned via return machines in supermarkets. On average, 13 containers are returned per return. This makes Austria one of the countries with the highest density of reverse vending machines in Europe.
Closed material cycle and ecological steering effect
With the one-way deposit system, drinks packaging is collected by type and kept in a closed material cycle. This means that the material can be almost completely recycled. At the same time, beverage producers have a right of first refusal on the returned materials, which is particularly relevant in view of the EU requirement of at least 25 per cent recycled content in PET beverage bottles, which has been in force since 2025.
The system also has an ecological steering effect, as packaging is assessed according to its recyclability for the first time. Materials that make recycling more difficult are associated with higher fees. According to Recycling Pfand Österreich, packaging optimisations such as more easily removable labels have already been observed in the first year.
Source: Recycling deposit Austria
