Deposit return schemes and plastic bags in Austria (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: Austria has had a deposit of EUR 0.25 on plastic and metal drink containers of 0.1 to 3 litres since 1 January 2025. Plastic carrier bags have been banned since 1 January 2020, with exceptions for very light compostable bags and sturdy reusable bags.

RuleWhat applies
National deposit return scheme in operationDeposit on drinks containersYes [1]
Containers coveredDeposit on drinks containersClosed drink containers of plastic or metal with a filling volume of 0.1 to 3 litres, Not covered: beverage cartons (Getränkeverbundkartons), Not covered: bottles of glass or metal with plastic closures or lids, Not covered: milk and milk-mix drinks, and syrups, Not covered: bottles for baby food and liquid food for special medical purposes [1]
Deposit per containerDeposit on drinks containers€0.25 per container [1]
Plastic carrier bag rulePlastic carrier bagsBanned [2]
Price of plastic carrier bagsPlastic carrier bagsPlacing plastic carrier bags on the market has been banned since 1 January 2020. [2]
Bag thickness rulePlastic carrier bagsThe ban covers plastic carrier bags. Exempt are very light bags (wall thickness under 0.015 mm) that are made mainly from renewable raw materials and suitable for home composting, and reusable bags of plastic fabric (or similarly stable material) with sewn seams and sewn handles (or similarly stable ones). [3]

Sources

  1. oesterreich.gv.at (Bundesministerium für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Klima- und Umweltschutz, Regionen und Wasserwirtschaft): Seit Jänner 2025: Neues Pfandsystem in Österreich (Einwegpfandsystem) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Bundeskanzleramt (RIS): Abfallwirtschaftsgesetz 2002 § 13j, Bundesrecht konsolidiert, Fassung vom 30.10.2026 (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Bundeskanzleramt (RIS): Abfallwirtschaftsgesetz 2002 § 13k, Bundesrecht konsolidiert, Fassung vom 30.10.2026 (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

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