Austria’s nationwide deposit return scheme (DRS) is entering a new phase of development after completing its first year of operation with stronger-than-expected collection results and broad public acceptance. EWP Recycling Pfand Österreich, the scheme’s central operator, and its core technology partner Sensoneo are now preparing system enhancements aimed at improving convenience, accessibility and long-term environmental performance.
Introduced on 1 January 2025, Austria’s DRS applies a €0.25 deposit to single-use PET bottles and aluminium cans ranging from 0.1 to three litres, placing it among Europe’s highest-value deposit systems. Despite an accelerated implementation timeline, the rollout progressed nationwide without major disruption. EWP was established at the end of 2022 and became operational in 2023, following the publication of formal regulations in September of that year.
Early performance indicators suggest strong consumer buy-in. According to market data cited by EWP, three quarters of Austrian consumers support the system, pointing to reduced littering and improved recycling outcomes. Collection volumes increased steadily during the first months of operation and have since stabilised at between seven and nine million containers per week.
By late October, the system had surpassed one billion returned containers, with the figure reaching 1.2 billion PET bottles and cans by the end of November. EWP expects Austria to meet its statutory 80 per cent return-rate target by the end of the year, with the final annual performance data scheduled for release in January.
With the initial rollout phase largely completed, attention is now shifting from scale to optimisation. EWP plans to refine the system by improving consumer guidance and further lowering barriers to participation, particularly for smaller retailers and convenience-focused users. One of the operator’s communication priorities is clarifying the distinction between Austria’s previous recycling approach and the fully traceable outcomes enabled by the deposit system.
Planned measures include the expansion of manual collection points to support retailers unable to install reverse vending machines, as well as the exploration of public return locations to increase accessibility. EWP is also evaluating the introduction of designated drop-off containers that would allow consumers to leave bottles and cans for social donation purposes, combining convenience with charitable support.
Alongside system expansion, fraud prevention remains a core operational focus. EWP reports that attempted deposit fraud has already been identified and prosecuted through close cooperation with retailers and dedicated internal teams, reinforcing the operator’s position that potential gains from fraud are outweighed by the associated risks.
Technology has played a central role in the scheme’s first-year performance. Sensoneo supplies the nationwide software-as-a-service platform underpinning the DRS, supporting operational processes across the value chain. High levels of automation were in place from launch and continue to be expanded through ongoing development.
EWP describes the partnership as strategically important for both the initial rollout and the next development phase. “Sensoneo’s expertise in other countries that started implementation of a DRS before Austria was not only valuable during the setup phase of the scheme in 2024, but Sensoneo is still acting as a kind of sparring partner to reflect ideas and solution approaches by Austrian colleagues,” said Valentin Hamm, Head of IT at EWP Österreich. “In combination with software delivered on time and quality, EWP is looking forward to implementing the next needed functionalities with Sensoneo’s professional and motivated team.”
Sensoneo, which has deployed deposit return systems in nine countries, highlights Austria’s preparedness as a key factor behind the scheme’s smooth launch. “EWP came exceptionally well prepared, with clear processes and a strong security focus,” said Peter Knaz, Deputy CEO at Sensoneo. “Thanks to the close cooperation between both IT teams, Austria’s scheme launched smoothly and with several unique tools to address cross-border fraud. We are proud to contribute to Austria’s successful DRS operation and look forward to further improvements that will support high collection rates and consumer convenience.”
As Austria’s deposit system moves into its second year, the focus is increasingly on fine-tuning rather than expansion. For packaging producers, retailers and compliance organisations, the scheme is emerging as a benchmark for rapid national implementation combined with high collection performance and digital traceability—an increasingly relevant model as deposit systems continue to expand across Europe.
