Drinks shopping will change in Hungary: here comes the bottle redemption system

The system that kicked off on 1 January will result in an increase in drink prices in Hungary. However, the new, mandatory redemption system (internationally known as DRS, or Deposit Refund System) will coexist with the old, separate collection system because producers can sell drinks in non-refundable glass, metal and plastic bottles and single-use bottles. Here is everything you should know about the system.

MOL Group’s MOHU Waste Management Ltd became responsible for waste management in Hungary after 1 January 2024. That came after they won the relevant concession last June. Moreover, the deadline for its contract is 2058, so it will have a monopoly in the segment for 35 years.

On 1 January, MOHU began its brand-new mandatory redemption system and established 1,800 so-called REpont devices in 1,400 shops in Hungary. Pacing such devices was mandatory only for shops above 400 sqm, while others could join the system voluntarily. The devices look like this:

Two systems will coexist

According to portfolio.hu, producers can sell drinks in non-refundable glass, metal and plastic bottles and single-use bottles until 30 June. Afterwards, you will only be able to buy bottles having a mandatory redemption stamp.

However, the system means that such bottles will cost HUF 50 more. That is the amount you will get back as a refund. Technically, the REpont device will print you a voucher only valid for the shop where you returned your bottles, and you can spend that money there. That is how the government would like to make shops interested in introducing the system.

Based on a statement of the Hungarian Trade Association, no product has been released yet in Hungary with a mandatory redemption stamp. Therefore, the system does not work yet. György Vámos, the chief secretary of the association, highlighted there would be a period when the two types of drinks products would be available on the shelves of the Hungarian shops.

Drinks shopping to increase inflation?

The Hungarian National Bank said the measure would not cause significant inflation despite the compulsory HUF 50 price rise concerning all beverages in Hungary.

The new system aims to encourage people to return at least 90% of the plastic (PET) bottles they buy.

According to Szeretlek Magyarország, the old bottle return system no longer works, but the new one is not yet operable. For example, a journalist working there tried to return some bottles that remained after New Year’s Eve festivities, but could not. The new device does not accept it without a stamp. Furthermore, the new REpont app is not reachable. He found only a small bin for old (non-stamped) glass bottles.

Szeretlek Magyarország added that the the similar systems of the different countries would not be uniform. Therefore, provided you buy a “stamped” Hungarian bottle and go abroad, you will lose the refundable HUF 50.

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