Deposits and recycling - what's new?

How does the one-way deposit on plastic bottles and drinks cans work? Where do used pizza boxes or empty milk cartons go? The latest newsletter from "Austria eats informs" provides helpful tips on how to collect and dispose of food packaging correctly.

Readers learn what distinguishes disposable from reusable, how plastic recycling works and where Austria stands when it comes to recycling. In an interview, brewery association chairman Karl Schwarz explains what is behind the adjustment of the returnable deposit on beer bottles. There is also an exciting one-way deposit quiz for puzzle fans.

Disposable: How does the new deposit on plastic bottles and cans work?

The new one-way deposit of 25 cents on PET bottles and beverage cans with a capacity of 0.1 to 0.3 liters has been in force in Austria since January 2025. The aim is to recycle even more beverage packaging and reprocess it into new bottles and cans. Only packaging with a one-way deposit logo and legible barcode will be taken back. Tip: Do not crush the empty packaging or damage the label before returning it - and pay attention to the transition period. This is because until December 31, 2025, remaining stock may still be sold in stores without a one-way deposit. "Österreich isst informiert" explains what happens to plastic bottles after they are returned using two innovative recycling solutions: the new TriPlast sorting system from ARA and partners and the established PET to PET recycling system.

Collecting: Where do yogurt pots and cans belong?

Since this year, lightweight packaging made of plastic and metal has been collected throughout Austria in the yellow garbage can or yellow bag. This applies to milk cartons made of composite cardboard as well as yoghurt pots and tins. Plastic bottles with a one-way deposit, on the other hand, must be returned to retailers. Clean paper and cardboard packaging without food scraps or grease residue should be disposed of as waste paper. And glass containers still go into the bottle bank. Unless they are returnable deposit glass bottles that are to be returned to the store. If you are not sure which packaging belongs where, you can find helpful tips and examples on "Österreich isst informiert".

Reusable: How often can a beer bottle be reused?

The deposit for returnable bottles, i.e. refillable bottles, has long been established in Austria. In order to increase bottle returns, this returnable deposit on many beer bottles was raised to 20 cents this year. This is because if they are returned, they can be refilled up to 40 times. "That's a big advantage for the environment," emphasizes Karl Schwarz, head of the brewery association and owner of the Zwettl private brewery.

Disposable versus reusable: what are the differences? And where does Austria stand when it comes to recycling?

Other articles shed light on the differences between single-use and reusable packaging - from function to life cycle assessment. Keeping raw materials in circulation for as long as possible and using them efficiently are the goals of the circular economy. Read the overview to find out what the EU and Austria have already achieved with regard to packaging.

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About "Austria eats informed"

With the knowledge platform "Österreich isst informiert", the domestic food industry is setting an example for more objectivity in the public debate. The online magazine comprises six sections: Food, Production, Industry, People, Responsibility as well as Tips and Service. Videos and picture galleries provide insights into the everyday life of food producers and bring production to life. More: oesterreich-isst-informiert.at.