Why Austrian deposit machines reject bottles and cans

Deposit-return machines in Austria may reject bottles and cans for three specific reasons, ORF reported. The problem is not related to where the packaging was bought if it is part of the country’s single-use deposit system.

Recycling Pfand Österreich is responsible for implementing the deposit regulations. Almost all businesses that sell drinks in cans or plastic bottles bearing the Austrian deposit symbol must also accept them for return. All single-use deposit machines use the same database and are required to accept registered packaging, regardless of the supermarket or collection point where the machine is located.

Supermarket chains said machines can fail to recognise packaging because its code cannot be read, because the packaging is not subject to a deposit, or because it was not bought in Austria. Claims that supermarkets only accept packaging bought from their own chain are incorrect, according to the report.

Different rules apply to reusable containers. These are part of bottle or crate circulation systems that retailers maintain only with suppliers from whom they obtain goods.

If a machine does not accept a container, customers should contact supermarket staff. Under the deposit regulations, the supermarket is responsible for operating the machine.