Take-back obligation for deposits

Anyone selling one-way beverage packaging subject to deposit must take back comparable packaging and refund the deposit. Comparable means the same material, such as plastic, glass or metal. Take-back is mandatory even for packaging not bought in the shop itself. Small sales areas enjoy relief; there only the brands carried in the shop must be accepted.

For reusable packaging the industry regulates returns through contracts between bottlers and retailers. Retailers should make their return rules visible to customers. The legal basis since August 2026 is the Packaging Law Implementation Act (previously the Packaging Act). The applicable regulations are authoritative.