Starting January 1, 2025, Austria will implement a new deposit system for disposable PET bottles and aluminum cans.

Consumers will pay a 25-cent deposit on these items, which can be refunded upon return.

The initiative aims to recycle 90% of these containers by 2027, aligning with EU environmental goals.

However, challenges remain, such as small businesses struggling with collection logistics and the potential rise in scavenging by vulnerable groups.

To address these issues, partnerships between small vendors and supermarkets are encouraged, and cities like Linz have introduced special collection points for the needy.

While the system promises environmental benefits, its rollout may face initial hurdles, including confusion over old and new packaging.