This is How the Mandatory Bottle Return System Will Work

From the beginning of next year, all packaging of glass, metal, and plastic bottled beverage products with a return mark can be taken back to around 2,000 “REpont” return points, MOL announced in a press release on Monday.

As Hungary Today reported earlier, the mandatory return system for products with a return fee marketed domestically means that the customer pays a return fee of HUF 50 (EUR 0.13) per bottle for all glass, metal, and plastic bottled beverage products. The money will be paid back after the bottle has been returned.

MOL stressed that

the aim is to recycle 90 percent of plastic and glass bottles and metal beverage cans within three years.

From January 1 of next year, bottles put on the market after January 1, 2024 can be returned if they have the return logo and a new barcode compared to the previous packaging. Manufacturers have to register bottles that comply with the new marking provisions with MOHU Mol Hullgazdálkodási Zrt. Product registration will start soon and MOHU will keep manufacturers informed about this process. Under the new rules, returns will be compulsory for grocery stores with a sales area of more than 400 square meters.

Almost 2,000 stores will be equipped with reverse vending machines at the start, with the gradual addition of partners, and 4-5,000 stores are planned.

Stores can also join the system as manual return points if they wish to provide manual return service with the support of a mobile application. The return points will be published on the MOHU website and in the REpont app, which will be available soon.

During the return process, consumers will be able to choose the form of the return fee refund. The value of the returned bottles will be printed by the vending machine in the form of a voucher, that can be redeemed or exchanged for cash at the respective store or chain store. Moreover, with the help of the barcode reader built into the machine, the app will allow registered customers to identify themselves with their electronic customer code using their phone, and the return fee will be automatically credited to their bank account. The return fee can also be donated to a charity by selecting the option shown on the vending machine display. The amount donated during a given period will then be transferred to the chosen charity at the end of the period.

MOHU had already conducted the procurement procedure for the reverse vending machines required for the system. TOMRA Collection Hungary Kft. and ENVIPCO HOLDING NV were selected in this procedure. Both companies of manufacturing reverse vending machines, have decades of expertise in the field. The machines will be supplied to retail outlets by MOHU MOL.

Via MTI, Featured image: Pexels