Waste Collection, Recycling and Deposit Refunds in Austria

Waste separation is part of everyday life in Austria. Since 2025, a deposit system also applies to certain plastic bottles and beverage cans. Here is an overview of the main collection bins, responsible authorities and deposit-refund rules.

Who organises waste collection and what does it cost?

The basic rules are set out in the Federal Waste Management Act (Abfallwirtschaftsgesetz, AWG). All nine provinces also have their own waste-management laws, so waste fees (Müllgebühren) and collection arrangements vary by province.

In practice, municipalities or municipal associations organise the collection of municipal waste (Siedlungsabfall). Contact the relevant local authority for information about fees, collection days and local sorting rules:

• In an ordinary municipality: the municipality (Gemeinde)
• In a statutory city (Statutarstadt): the Magistrat
• In Vienna: MA 48 (Stadt Wien)

Several provinces offer online services. In Burgenland, the Burgenländischer Müllverband (BMV) provides a sorting ABC and fee list. In Upper Austria, the Oberösterreichischer Abfallverband offers a free app and collection calendar. In Lower Austria, the NÖ Umweltverbände provide information about collection points and dates.

Which waste goes in which bin?

Correct separation is important because incorrectly sorted waste must later be sorted at considerable cost. The main collection streams are:

Yellow bin or yellow bag (Gelbe Tonne / Gelber Sack)

• Empty plastic bottles, yoghurt pots, films and bags
• Beverage cartons such as Tetra Pak, including their caps
• Tins, metal caps and metal tubes
• Do not put containers filled with paint or oil in this collection.

Paper (Altpapier)

• Newspapers, catalogues, books, notebooks, cardboard and uncoated paper bags
• Do not put greasy or contaminated paper, or beverage cartons, in the paper collection.

White glass (Weißglas)

• Clear single-use bottles and preserving jars
• Do not put window glass, ceramics or glass dishes in this container.

Coloured glass (Buntglas)

• Coloured or slightly tinted single-use glass containers
• Metal screw caps belong in the yellow collection.

Organic waste (Biotonne)

• Fruit and vegetable waste, plant-based food scraps, bread, potting soil, grass and hedge cuttings
• Do not use plastic bags.

Some useful rules:

• Empty packaging before disposal and flatten it where possible to save space.
• Do not tear paper into very small pieces, as this makes sorting more difficult.
• Because of noise, glass should preferably be placed in collection containers only between 7 and 20 o'clock.
• Meat, bones and food scraps are not collected in the organic bin in every municipality. In Vienna, for example, animal-based waste belongs in residual waste (Restmüll).

How does the deposit system work?

A deposit is charged on every sealed beverage container made of plastic or metal with a capacity between 0.1 and 3 litres. The deposit is uniformly 25 cents per bottle or can.

Exceptions include:

• Beverage cartons such as Tetra Pak
• Glass and metal bottles with plastic caps
• Bottles used for baby food and liquid foods for special medical purposes
• Milk and mixed milk drinks
• Syrups

The deposit is also charged at vending machines, when ordering food and when buying drinks online. In restaurants, cafés and snack bars, no deposit is charged if the drink remains on the premises.

The transition period ending in 2025 has expired. Single-use drinks without the deposit logo could only be sold without a deposit until 31 December 2025.

Where can containers be returned?

Every shop that sells packaging bearing the deposit logo must also accept it for return. Returns may be made through a reverse-vending machine or in person. For manual returns, such as at a bakery, the shop only has to accept the usual quantities and sizes that it sells. In busy locations such as shopping centres, railway stations and airports, several shops may operate a shared return point.

For a refund, the deposit logo and barcode (EAN-Code) must be clearly readable. The bottle or can should therefore be empty, uncrushed and have an undamaged label. Packaging purchased abroad without the Austrian logo is not accepted for a refund and should be placed in the yellow collection.

Hazardous waste and bulky waste

Hazardous household waste (Problemstoffe) must be taken to a separate collection point. Examples include expired medicines without their box, batteries and rechargeable batteries, energy-saving bulbs, paint, varnish, spray cans, full gas cartridges and syringes in a closed, puncture-proof container.

Every shop that sells batteries must accept used batteries free of charge, regardless of whether a purchase is made.

Bulky waste (Sperrmüll), such as furniture or mattresses, can be taken to a recycling centre (Mistplatz or Altstoffsammelzentrum) or handed in during a municipality's bulky-waste campaign. A separately scheduled collection is generally subject to a fee. Bulky waste may only be given to an authorised collector; handing it to casual collectors is prohibited.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the deposit in Austria in 2026?

The deposit is uniformly 25 cents for every eligible plastic bottle and beverage can.

Where do Tetra Pak cartons go?

They go in the yellow bin or yellow bag. They must not be placed in the paper collection, and no deposit is paid on them.

Can a bottle without an Austrian deposit logo be returned?

No. Packaging without the Austrian deposit logo is not accepted for a refund and should be placed in the appropriate recycling collection, usually the yellow bin or yellow bag for eligible packaging.

Where can you find the waste collection schedule?

Ask your municipality. In a statutory city, contact the Magistrat; in Vienna, contact MA 48.

Practical steps

1. Check your municipality's website for local collection rules, fees and dates.
2. Separate plastic, light packaging and metal into the yellow bin or yellow bag.
3. Keep paper, white glass, coloured glass and organic waste separate.
4. Keep deposit containers empty, uncrushed and with the label intact.
5. Return deposit containers to a shop that sells packaging with the deposit logo.
6. Take hazardous waste and bulky waste to the designated collection point or authorised collection campaign.

This information is based on sources available online and does not constitute advice. Use it at your own responsibility. For professional advice, contact an appropriate specialist.

Source: oesterreich.gv.at