MOHU proposes ending cash payouts for bottle returns in Hungary

MOHU, the Hungarian waste management operator, is proposing significant changes to the national deposit return system (DRS) and facing challenges with its organic waste pilot program.

Regarding the DRS, MOHU director Csaba Bozóki has suggested eliminating cash payouts for returned bottles at collection points. Under the proposed model, users would instead receive funds via bank transfer through a mobile app or use vouchers for in-store purchases. This initiative aims to curb the increasing problem of people scavenging through public trash bins, which has led to littering and increased cleaning costs for municipalities. The Mayor of Szolnok, Mihály Győrfi, has expressed support for this move following incidents of overturned bins in his city.

Separately, MOHU’s pilot project for selective kitchen waste collection, launched across 14 municipalities, has struggled to meet its targets. While the project aimed to reach 460,000 people, participation has reached only about half that number. Challenges include low public motivation and resistance from apartment building representatives regarding the distribution of collection containers.