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Another European Country introduces reverse vending machines to achieve a circular economy

Georgios Vlachos

Georgios Vlachos

2 min read
6.01.2024

Reverse vending machines in Hungary

What?

Most European countries have already introduced a deposit return scheme (DRS) for single-use drink containers by using reverse vending machines (RVMs). Now, this important step toward a circular economy has been made by Hungary. Yes, the local governmental body responsible for the collection and management of municipal solid waste (MOL Hulladékgazdálkodási) in collaboration with TOMRA will optimize the returning process of beverage containers. 

How?

TOMRA recently has installed over 1000 high-volume reverse vending machines (RVMs) in supermarkets and hypermarkets across Hungary with a plan to roll out more in 2024. These RVMs will be accepting single-use glass or plastic bottles, and aluminum cans for beverages.

What are the details?

An RVM automatically identifies and assorts drink containers when they enter the machine; it then pays out 50 Hungarian forints, which is approximately €0.13. Consumers can return the containers between 0.1 liters and 3 liters in size. 

What’s the expected goal?

According to TOMRA, such a DRS is more efficient and will bring Hungary closer to the circular economy model. The best-case scenario is meeting the 90% collection target for plastic beverage bottles by 2029, as per the European Union’s Single-Use Plastics Directive.

Why it’s important?

The harmonization of DRS along with easier access to the return points increases the possibility of achieving a circular economy. Such changes directly impact the business landscape for some of our clients – beverage container producers, hence Boost2Be keeps an eye on this.

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