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Deposit chaos in Austria: Readers complain about long waiting times!
Dissatisfaction with new deposit rules in Austria: waiting times at machines, challenges with the return process and necessary reforms.
Deposit chaos in Austria: Readers complain about long waiting times!
In Austria, the new deposit regulations are causing heated discussions and a wave of complaints from consumers. Current reports show that many people have had negative experiences with deposit machines. Long waiting times are no longer uncommon: a customer from Vienna-Margareten reported that she waited in front of a machine for up to 15 minutes. A father from Linz had a similar experience and had to wait 15 to 20 minutes when trying to return his items because there were a lot of people with full shopping carts lined up in front of him. The platform also reports on all of these problems Today.
Another issue that has arisen concerns the return of the bottles themselves. A pensioner complains that she cannot return the bottles to different supermarkets because there are many different brands on offer. Since she doesn't have a driver's license, she also has difficulties with transportation. This means that she often forgoes the return. A reader also expressed his dissatisfaction with the easy-to-press donation button on the machines, which often results in little money and a lot of nerves being wasted.
Traffic rules within the scope of the deposit obligation
The legal basis for the deposit system was laid down as part of the Packaging Act, which has been in force since January 2019. An expanded deposit requirement has been in force since an amendment in 2021. This stipulates that first-time distributors - i.e. manufacturers, bottlers and importers - must charge a deposit, label the packaging and take part in a nationwide deposit system, as on the website IHK Munich is explained.
Packaging subject to a deposit primarily concerns disposable beverage packaging with a filling volume of between 0.1 and 3 liters. Affected drinks include lemonade, mineral water and juices - everything except sparkling wine, wine and spirits, as long as they contain certain amounts of alcohol. The deposit amount is 0.25 euros and must be collected at every trading level.
Return options and environmental protection
The existing deposit system is seen as an important component in environmental and resource protection. So far, over 175 million bottles and cans have been returned since the introduction of the one-way deposit. With more than 13,700 return points throughout Austria, the infrastructure for this is largely in place. But the Ministry of Environmental Protection sees a clear need for improvement in implementation, particularly with regard to the return of bottles and the operability of the machines. Work is being done to optimize the system in order to avoid such unpleasant situations.
An interesting detail is that sales outlets with a deposit logo are obliged to take back disposable deposit packaging. In busy areas such as shopping centers or train stations, several sales outlets may even set up a collection point together, which could make the return process much easier for consumers. That's what it says in the concept Austrian government.
Overall, there is still a long way to go to find the perfect deposit solution. It remains to be seen what steps the responsible authorities will take to both optimize the return process and better meet the needs of the population. Tackle the challenge in the right place – that is the order of the day!