The list of shops where PET bottles can be returned has been published

• Non-recyclable beverage containers (e.g., single-use plastic bottles) will have a uniform deposit of 50 Hungarian forints, which customers pay upon purchase but can get back if they return the packaging in appropriate condition.
• The mandatory DRS covers beverage containers made of metal, plastic, and glass with a volume between 0.1 and 3 liters. Some of these containers will be refilled, while others are single-use.
• Manufacturers are only obliged to provide DRS for products registered before November 15, 2023, which undergo a 45-day verification process.
• There are three methods for the return of deposits: a deposit voucher from a return machine, the REpont service, or charitable donations.
• Stores can voluntarily join the mandatory DRS system. Operators of return points may receive fees from the Hungarian Environmental Management and Enforcement Agency (MOHU).
• Consumers will pay a 50 forint deposit for each purchase, but they can request a refund when they return the packaging to the system.
• The DRS only applies to products put on the market from January 1, 2024. Previously released items can still be sold, and their return is not mandatory.
• It’s crucial not to crush containers, as the system checks the shape, weight, and barcode of the packaging.

The DRS aims to reduce packaging waste, promote recycling, and enhance environmental protection.