Everything will be more expensive due to the deposit return system

By: Trademagazin Date: 2023. 10. 10. 12:12

With the introduction of the mandatory deposit system, consumers in Hungary can expect to pay several hundred forints more for their purchases. As part of this system, a fee of 50 forints will be added to each single-use plastic bottle, metal can, or glass bottle, but dairy products are exempt from this charge.

The new system is set to launch in Hungary on January 1st and will be operated by the MOHU MOL Waste Management Ltd. The regulation on deposit fees has already been published in the Hungarian Gazette. According to this regulation, a fee of 50 forints per item must be paid for every non-reusable product subject to mandatory deposit. For reusable items, the fee per item will be determined by the manufacturer.

Consumers will only receive these amounts back if they return the packaging in undamaged condition. Moreover, vending machines will only be required to be installed in municipalities with a population exceeding 1,000 inhabitants according to the law.

The Mol Waste Management Ltd. stated in an interview with RTL Híradó that shopkeepers in small municipalities can also apply to become return points. Hungary has more than 1,833 municipalities with populations under 1,000.

The returnable bottles will have a marking, and only those in good condition will be accepted. Consumers can decide whether to spend the refunded amount or request the cash back at the cashier.