Important rules regarding one-way deposits in Germany: Financial expert explains the new deposit requirements for consumers

Important rules regarding one-way deposits in Germany: Financial expert explains the new deposit requirements for consumers

According to a report by www.presseportal.de,

Since January 1, 2024, the disposable deposit of 25 cents has also been levied on milk and milk mixed drinks sold in disposable plastic bottles with a capacity of more than 0.1 liters. In addition to pure milk, this also applies to cocoa and coffee drinks with more than 50 percent milk content as well as drinkable yogurt and kefir. The statutory deposit requirement now applies to almost all drinks in disposable bottles and cans.

This change to the one-way deposit may have various impacts on the market and consumers. On the one hand, there could be an increased return of deposit bottles and cans, as the deposit requirement now applies to almost all drinks. It could also lead to a decrease in the number of bottles and cans in the environment, as charging the deposit creates incentives to return the packaging and thus promote recycling.

However, problems with returning and refunding deposits on deposit bottles and cans continue to be a nuisance for consumers, as Philip Heldt, an expert on the environment and resource protection at the NRW Consumer Center, emphasizes. For example, dented bottles and cans could lead to difficulties returning them to vending machines.

It is important that consumers are informed about the new rules and obligations surrounding single-use deposits in order to avoid misunderstandings and problems.

For further information, consumers can contact the press office of the NRW Consumer Center.