Starting Tomorrow: Austria’s New Bottle Deposit (Pfand) System

As the fireworks fade and the first morning of 2026 arrives, residents across the nine federal states of Austria will encounter a major change at the supermarket checkout. Starting January 1, 2026, Austria officially launches its mandatory one-way deposit system (Pfand) for plastic bottles and aluminum cans.

This landmark environmental move aims to reach the EU’s recycling targets and keep the Austrian landscape, from the Alps of Salzburg to the plains of Burgenland, pristine.

How Much is the Deposit?

Starting tomorrow, every qualifying beverage container will carry a €0.25 deposit. This amount is added to the retail price at the point of sale and is fully refunded when the empty, undamaged container is returned.

What is Included?

Look for the new “Recycling Logo” on the label. The system covers:

• Plastic (PET) bottles: From 0.1 liters to 3 liters.
• Aluminum Cans: All standard beverage cans.
• Exceptions: Milk and dairy products, as well as certain medical drinks, remain exempt from the deposit system for hygiene reasons.

How to Get Your Money Back

Returning your containers is designed to be as simple as possible.

1. Return to Retailers: Any shop that sells drinks of a specific material (e.g., plastic or aluminum) is legally required to take back the empty containers of that material.
2. Automated Machines: Most major supermarkets like Billa, Spar, and Hofer have upgraded their return machines to accept the new deposit items.
3. Voucher or Cash: The machine will issue a receipt that can be used as a discount on your groceries or exchanged for cash at the register.

Tips for a Smooth Start

For the record number of single-person households in Austria, managing recyclables at home might require a bit more space. Experts recommend keeping a dedicated bag for “Pfand” items to ensure labels remain readable for the machines.

As you navigate the first day of 2026, which also brings the New Healthcare Reforms and the 2026 Tax Reform, this small change in your shopping routine marks a massive leap forward for Austria’s circular economy.