Single price for drinks bottles is introduced in Hungary

From 1 January 2024, a mandatory redemption system (internationally known as DRS, or Deposit Refund System) for products with redemption fees placed on the domestic market will be introduced in Hungary. Due to this change, beverages will become slightly more expensive.

The price raise concerning beverages

According to 24.hu, the essence of the system is that for the sale of all beverage products in glass, metal and plastic bottles, as well as single-use bottles, the buyer pays a standard return fee of HUF 50 (EUR 0.13) per bottle. This amount is refunded after the return of the bottle. In the case of the so-called multi-way refillable bottles, the rate of the redemption fee is set by the bottler and indicated in the logo. This method is one of the most effective from an environmental perspective. According to MOHU Ltd., it motivates the consumer to return the bottle and recycle its material in the circular economy.

The new system kicks off

From 1 January 2024, only bottles placed on the market after 1 January 2024 and bearing a redemption logo and a new barcode can be returned. During the transitional period provided by the legislation, until 31 June 2024, bottles without the new marking can still be placed on the market. After that date, only bottles with a redemption fee can be placed on the market. However, beverages without a marking and without a redemption fee can still be sold in shops. However, these ones will not be redeemable at REpoints.

It will be compulsory for shops with a sales area of over 400 square metres, the majority of whose turnover comes from the sale of food, to have an automatic return system (RVM, reverse vending machine).

How will people receive their money?

During the redemption process, the user can choose from the following options:

• Voucher: The value of the returned bottles is printed by the vending machine in the form of a voucher. It can be redeemed for cash or at the shop.
• Transfer to a bank account: With the help of the barcode reader built into the vending machine, in the soon-to-be-available app, registered customers can identify themselves with their electronic customer code using their phone. The redemption fee will be automatically credited to the bank account registered in their customer profile.
• Donation to charity: The redemption fee can also be donated to charity by selecting the option indicated on the vending machine display. The donated amounts will be transferred to the beneficiary at the end of a given period.

Read also:

• Mandatory redemption of glass, metal and plastic bottle in Hungary from January
• New initiative: Hungary can ban energy drinks!