Austria’s nationwide Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) has completed its first year with strong public support and impressive collection results, surpassing 1.2 billion returned PET bottles and aluminium cans by the end of November.

Operated by EWP Recycling Pfand Österreich in partnership with technology provider Sensoneo, the system is now set to enter its next phase of enhancements aimed at convenience, accessibility and environmental impact.

Rapid roll-out and widespread acceptance

Launched on 1 January 2025, Austria’s DRS applies a €0.25 deposit to single-use beverage containers ranging from 0.1 to 3 litres – among the highest deposit values in Europe. The programme was implemented swiftly following the establishment of EWP in late 2022 and formal regulations in September 2023, ensuring a rapid and nationwide roll-out.

Early data indicates broad public acceptance, with 75% of consumers supporting the scheme. Many cite reduced littering and improved recycling as key benefits, while local authorities have noted cleaner public spaces and more consistent recycling outcomes across the country.

The scheme has seen steady growth in weekly returns, stabilising at 7-9 million containers per week. By late October, EWP reported one billion returned units, rising to 1.2 billion by November’s end. The operator expects to meet Austria’s 80% return-rate target by year-end, with final figures due in January 2026.

Next steps: Convenience, accessibility and public education

Looking ahead, EWP plans to enhance the system through improved consumer guidance and easier access. Key initiatives include:

• Adding more manual collection points to support smaller retailers

• Exploring public return locations to increase convenience

• Introducing drop-off containers for charitable donations, allowing citizens to return bottles and cans for social purposes

  
  

Fraud prevention continues to be a priority. EWP reports that fraudulent attempts have been successfully detected and prosecuted, reinforcing the scheme’s security measures.

Technology partnership driving efficiency

A cornerstone of the DRS’s success is the collaboration between EWP and Sensoneo. The technology partner provides a nationwide SaaS platform that supports all stakeholders and DRS processes, enabling high levels of automation from the outset.

Valentin Hamm, head of IT at EWP Österreich, said: “Sensoneo’s expertise in other countries that started implementation of a DRS before Austria was not only valuable during the set-up phase of the scheme in 2024, but Sensoneo is still acting as a kind of sparring partner to reflect ideas and solution approaches by Austrian colleagues".

"In combination with software delivered on time and quality, EWP is looking forward to implementing the next needed functionalities with Sensoneo’s professional and motivated team."

Peter Knaz, deputy CEO at Sensoneo, added: “EWP came exceptionally well prepared, with clear processes and a strong security focus. Thanks to the close cooperation between both IT teams, Austria’s scheme launched smoothly and with several unique tools to address cross-border fraud."

"We are proud to contribute to Austria’s successful DRS operation and look forward to further improvements that will support high collection rates and consumer convenience.”