The national DRS operator, EWP Recycling Pfand Österreich, and technology provider Sensoneo are preparing further system developments aimed at improving convenience, accessibility and process efficiency.
The nationwide DRS was introduced on 1 January 2025 and applies a €0.25 deposit to single-use beverage containers from 0.1 to 3 litres. The system was implemented within a compressed timeline following the establishment of EWP in late 2022 and the publication of the regulatory framework in September 2023.
Initial market data indicates broad public acceptance. Weekly returns increased continuously during the first months of operation and have since stabilised at around 7–9 million units. By late October, returned volumes reached one billion units; by the end of November, this figure had risen to 1.2 billion. EWP expects to achieve the national target of an 80 per cent return rate for the first year, with final results to be published in January.
EWP plans to advance the system through clearer consumer information, particularly regarding the distinction between earlier recycling practices and processes now supported by the DRS, which enable verifiable recycling outcomes. Planned measures include:
- Additional manual return points to support smaller retailers and expand accessibility
- Assessment of public return locations to increase convenience
- Introduction of dedicated drop-off containers for bottles and cans intended for donation to social initiatives
Fraud-prevention mechanisms remain in place. EWP reports that attempted deposit fraud has been identified and pursued in cooperation with retailers.
The scheme’s digital infrastructure is based on Sensoneo’s nationwide SaaS platform, which supports all DRS processes and stakeholders. High levels of automation were achieved from the outset and continue to expand as further functionalities are developed.
