Deposit return schemes and plastic bags in Hungary (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: Hungary runs a mandatory deposit return system for plastic, metal and glass drink bottles and cans of 0.1 to 3 litres, with a deposit of HUF 50 per single-use container. Light plastic carrier bags of 15 microns or more are banned unless they are biodegradable.

RuleWhat applies
National deposit return scheme in operationDeposit on drinks containersYes [1]
Containers coveredDeposit on drinks containersPlastic, metal or glass bottles and cans of 0.1 to 3 litres holding ready-to-drink or concentrate drinks, Not covered: milk and milk-based drinks, Not covered: packaging from small producers (5,000 units or fewer in the previous year) [1]
Deposit per containerDeposit on drinks containers50.00 HUF per container [1]
Plastic carrier bag rulePlastic carrier bagsBanned [2]
Price of plastic carrier bagsPlastic carrier bags⚠ Not yet verified
Bag thickness rulePlastic carrier bagsPlacing on the market is prohibited for light plastic carrier bags (wall thickness under 50 microns) of 15 microns or more, except bags of biodegradable plastic. 'Very light' bags (under 15 microns, used for hygiene or as primary packaging of loose food to prevent food waste) are defined separately. [2]

Notes

  • This is the fee for single-use containers. For reusable containers the manufacturer sets the deposit (Government Decree 450/2023, § 3(1)).
  • The ban covers light bags (wall thickness under 50 microns) of 15 microns or more; bags of biodegradable plastic are excepted (Government Decree 301/2021, § 4(2)).
  • A charge or fee for bags was not found in the decree read; no other source was read for it.

Sources

  1. Nemzeti Jogszabálytár (Ministry of Justice): 450/2023. (X. 4.) Korm. rendelet a visszaváltási díj megállapításának és alkalmazásának, valamint a visszaváltási díjas termék forgalmazásának részletes szabályairól (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Nemzeti Jogszabálytár (Ministry of Justice): 301/2021. (VI. 1.) Korm. rendelet az egyes egyszer használatos, valamint egyes egyéb műanyagtermékek forgalomba hozatalának korlátozásáról (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

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