One-way deposit
German: Einwegpfand (Pfandpflicht) Also known as: Dosenpfand, Pfandpflicht
The statutory 25-cent deposit on most one-way drink bottles and cans made of plastic, metal or glass.
In Germany most one-way beverage containers made of plastic, metal and glass are subject to a deposit of 25 cents per container. It was introduced in 2003 and has since been extended step by step. Since 2022 all one-way plastic bottles and cans are covered, and since 2024 also dairy drinks in plastic bottles.
Exceptions concern certain drink types, for example wine and sparkling wine. The deposit duty applies to filling volumes from 0.1 to 3 litres and has been in the Packaging Law Implementation Act since August 2026 (previously the Packaging Act). Containers subject to deposit bear a uniform deposit logo and can be returned to retailers selling comparable packaging. The applicable regulations are authoritative.
Related terms
DPG (German deposit system company)One-way bottleDepositPackaging Act (VerpackG)
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