Austria: Austria to increase deposit on beer bottles

Austria is set to increase the deposit on beer bottles, marking the first hike in 40 years for this key component of its recycling system. Beginning February 2, 2025, the deposit will rise from the previous 9 cents to 20 cents per bottle. This change reflects growing concerns over the return rates of reusable glass bottles, which have dropped significantly, The Pinnacle Gazette reported on January 26.

The increase in deposit will particularly affect beer crates, which will now require a total deposit of seven euros for 20 bottles, combining 4 euros for the bottles themselves and 3 euros for the crate, according to reports from the Austrian Brewers Association.

"Consumers will not face disadvantages as they’ll be encouraged to appreciate glass and return it to the recycling loop," said Karl Schwarz, chairman of the Austrian Brewing Association, highlighting the need to reinvigorate the public's mentality around bottle returns.

Since the start of the year, Austria has also implemented deposits on single-use plastic bottles and drinks cans, which has resulted in mixed reactions among the public. Brewery representatives, like Josef Sigl from Upper Austria, expressed concerns over the declining willingness of Austrians to return their beer bottles.

"We’ve observed unfortunately, the return rates have decreased over the years, and with the new 25-cent value assigned to single-use bottles, it’s more important than ever to maintain the value of reusable bottles," Sigl noted.

Currently, beer bottles typically only return around three times per year to the breweries, which translates to significant financial losses and environmental impacts. With the enhanced deposit scheme, the breweries hope to improve the return rates, save resources, and cut down on the need for new bottle production, which is both costly and resource-intensive.

Environmental sustainability is increasingly becoming a focal point for the brewing industry. "We can refill glass bottles up to 40 times, offering excellent ecological balance for local beverages such as beer," said Florian Berger, managing director of the Austrian Brewing Association.

Apart from impacting beer bottles, the new deposit increase will also apply to all other bottles previously charged at the 9-cent rate, including clear glass bottles with screw caps and many 0.33-liter bottles. This broadening of the scope aims to deliver more consistent recycling practices across all types of containers.

The decision follows similar trends observed in neighboring Germany, which saw changes to its own deposit system earlier this year, incorporating additional beverage packaging. The response from the public and retailers alike will be closely monitored as the new system takes effect.

The adjustment will require programming changes to vending machines across the country, with brewers covering the associated costs. Significant efforts will also be made to encourage consumers to return their bottles in clean, reusable condition, emphasizing the extensive complications caused by litter and contamination.

With the change set for February 2, the brewing industry hopes to turn around the decreasing rates of return and bolster the circular economy surrounding beer glass recycling.

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