The Mechanism of the Compulsory Bottle Return Program
The Hungarian oil and gas company, MOL, has announced that starting from next year, customers will be able to return packaging of glass, metal, and plastic bottled beverage products with a return mark to around 2,000 “REpont” return points. This is part of Hungary’s mandatory return system, where customers pay a return fee of HUF 50 (EUR 0.13) per bottle for these products, and the money is reimbursed upon returning the bottle.
MOL stated that the goal of this system is to recycle 90% of plastic and glass bottles and metal beverage cans within three years. From January 1, 2024, bottles with the return logo and a new barcode can be returned. Manufacturers must register bottles that comply with the new marking provisions with MOHU Mol Hullgazdálkodási Zrt. Retailers with a sales area of more than 400 square meters will be required to participate in the return system.
Initially, almost 2,000 stores will be equipped with reverse vending machines, with plans to gradually add more partners and reach 4,000 to 5,000 stores. Stores can also join the system as manual return points with the help of a mobile application. The locations of the return points will be published on the MOHU website and in the upcoming REpont app.
During the return process, consumers will have the option to choose how they receive the return fee refund. The value of the returned bottles will be printed on a voucher issued by the vending machine, which can be redeemed for cash at the store. Registered customers can also use their electronic customer code on the app to automatically credit the return fee to their bank account. Additionally, customers can choose to donate the return fee to a charity through the vending machine.
MOHU has already conducted the procurement procedure for the reverse vending machines required for the system and has selected TOMRA Collection Hungary Kft. and ENVIPCO HOLDING NV as suppliers. These companies have extensive experience in manufacturing reverse vending machines.
The implementation of the mandatory return system aims to promote recycling and reduce waste in Hungary.
