A 5,000 HUF limit for reverse vending machines is a reasonable solution

What are the benefits of restriction?

Katalin Neubauer said that the introduction of the limit eases the load on REpoints and reduces the likelihood of standing in queues. This is a favorable step from the point of view of merchants, as they can serve more customers and the vending machines need to be emptied or cleaned less often. The 100-piece limit also offers a good chance to avoid users arriving in bulk, with several bags of packaging, which would cause the machines to fill up quickly.

According to data from MOHU, the use of return machines is very popular, in mid-October the number of returned bottles, cans and bottles already reached 500 million. Most returners ask for the packaging fee back in the form of a voucher, and only 10-15 percent of customers choose bank transfer.

The effect of “bottle hunters” on businesses

According to the traders, the limit was also necessary because the redeeming machines were often used in large quantities by “bottle hunters”, who exchanged the vouchers for cash at the cash registers rather than for purchases. For this reason, the store did not realize any income, since the price of the returned packaging was not used for a discount, but was claimed in cash. The new regulation will hopefully deter those who return large quantities of packaging for business purposes.

The limit of 100 pieces is sufficient for customers

For average users, the limit of 100 pieces is more than enough, since most people come to the vending machines with much less packaging. According to the Hungarian National Trade Association, the introduction of the limit promotes the smooth operation of the system and prevents overloading. The goal is to make it quick and easy for everyone to return packaging, without users who return in large quantities hindering the service of average customers.

The 100-piece limit and the HUF 5,000 transaction limit therefore both serve the convenience of customers and the efficient operation of stores.