Budapest gangs target deposit-return packaging

In Budapest, specialized gangs are increasingly targeting containers and packaging covered by the deposit return system. These groups arrive in the city at dawn to scavenge through trash bins and event sites, often resorting to violence to steal bags of bottles from legitimate collectors. Reports indicate that thieves can earn significant sums from a single stolen bag.

In Lisbon, the implementation of the deposit system has faced criticism from Mayor and former EU Commissioner Carlos Moedas. He has called for the system's withdrawal, citing increased urban disorder, people searching through trash, and the destruction of automated collection machines.