Deposit machines and recycling systems

Every year, around 302,000 tonnes of plastic packaging are generated in Austria, including 2.4 billion disposable beverage packaging made of metal or plastic. The new funding programme is an important step towards avoiding and recycling plastic packaging. It specifically promotes measures to increase the supply of beverages in reusable containers and to increase the recycling of plastic. Return machines for deposit containers are also subsidised. When designing the funding conditions, particular attention has been paid to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with exceptionally attractive funding rates. Small retailers are reimbursed up to 100 % of the costs for reverse vending machines.

Investments in reverse vending systems

As of 1 January 2025, a one-way deposit for plastic drinks bottles and cans has been introduced in Austria. In order to install a deposit system with automated take-back that is as efficient as possible and to support companies in switching to such system, the purchase or adaptation of reverse vending machines is being subsidised. Around 80 million euros are available for this purpose.

Applications for funding can also be submitted for adaptations such as the conversion of an existing reverse vending machine for returnable bottles so that disposable bottles can also be collected. It is important that the machines fulfil certain minimum requirements in terms of reliably recognising and validating the deposit containers.

The eligible investment costs are limited depending on the size of the business. The funding rates depend on the type of reverse vending machine and the size of the company. Machines that can only take back either disposable or reusable containers are subsidised by 20 to 55 percent. Devices that can do both are subsidised at 40 percent for large companies and 60 percent for small companies.

By applying the so-called de minimis rule, small companies can even receive funding of up to 100 percent. This rule can be claimed by companies that have claimed no more than 200,000 euros in de minimis subsidies within three tax years.

Systems for reusable beverage packaging

Funding is available for the installation or adaptation of filling and washing systems for reusable beverage containers. Support can also be requested for the initial provision of reusable standard bottles and crates as well as equipment for packaging the containers. The total funding volume amounts to around 30 million euros.

The aim is to promote the rapid expansion of the range of reusable products offered in shops for all beverage categories - from juices to milk - so that consumers have a free choice between disposable and reusable in every shop. In this way the reusable quota in the beverage sector is to be increased to 30 percent by 2030.

Depending on the size of the company, the subsidy rates are between 60 percent for small and 40 percent for large companies. The funding amount is capped at 4.5 million euros per funding case.

Sorting systems for plastic packaging

The recycling quotas stipulated in European law require significant increases in the quantities of plastic packaging collected and sorted. To this end, there is an urgent need to create additional sorting capacities, to convert existing processes and to modernise technologies.

The subsidies for the installation of new sorting systems and the retrofitting of existing ones for plastic packaging are intended to achieve rapid technical improvements and the expansion of capacities. Up to 30 percent of the investment costs are covered. The funding can amount to a maximum of 10 million euros per system. A total of 60 million euros is available for sorting systems.