Deposit return system becomes mandatory in Hungary

Hungary has implemented a new national Deposit Return System (DRS) for beverage containers, a measure designed to significantly increase the collection and recycling rates of plastic, glass and metal packaging.

The new system applies nationwide and covers beverage containers with volumes between 0.1 and 3 litres, including:

• PET bottles
• aluminium cans
• reusable and non-reusable glass bottles

Consumers will pay a deposit of approximately 50 Hungarian forints (HUF) for each container, which is refunded when the empty packaging is returned to a designated collection point.

How the system works

Containers can be returned at:

• supermarkets
• large retail stores
• automated collection machines (reverse vending machines)

Large retailers are required to install reverse vending machines, while smaller stores may choose to accept returns manually.

The system is operated by MOHU MOL Hulladékgazdálkodási Zrt, the company responsible for national waste management operations in Hungary.

Objectives of the system

Through the introduction of the DRS, Hungarian authorities aim to:

• increase packaging collection rates
• reduce plastic waste
• improve recycling performance
• align with European circular economy targets

Deposit return systems are widely considered one of the most effective mechanisms for beverage container collection, with several European countries achieving collection rates above 90%.

Impact on the plastics industry

The introduction of the DRS in Hungary is expected to generate:

• higher volumes of PET collected for recycling
• cleaner streams of recyclable materials
• increased demand for food-grade recycled PET

In the context of new European regulations on recycled content in packaging, such systems are becoming essential to ensure the availability of secondary raw materials required by the plastics industry.