Deposit bottle collection sparks social tension in Budapest and pilot projects in Vienna

In Budapest, the implementation of a new deposit return system in Hungary since early 2024 has led to increased visibility of social issues such as poverty, homelessness, and drug use. Residents in the city center have reported conflicts arising from bottle collectors overturning trash bins and scattering waste. Some reports indicate that collectors have even broken into residential buildings to search for depositable items.

In contrast, Vienna is testing a pilot project to manage deposit collection more orderly. The University of Vienna, in collaboration with the company SocialCycle, is installing specialized deposit modules at the Alten AKH campus. These modules are designed to allow for organized collection without the issues associated with traditional deposit rings, which often attract other types of litter. If the pilot proves successful, the university may consider expanding the system to other locations.