Hungary - New Recycling Rules as of January 2024

A new mandatory redemption system of glass, metal, and plastic bottles and cans will be implanted from January 2024 in Hungary.

New regulation on the mandatory bottle return scheme has been implemented as of January 1, 2024. According to the new mandatory system, products are subject to a return fee. The return system includes all glass, metal and plastic bottles and beverage cans with a capacity of between 1 dl up to 3 liters, except for milk and milk-based beverages.
      
Producers are required to adjust markings on the packaging to indicate the return fee policy. In addition to the new recycling system, other products or packaging can be voluntarily classified as returnable based on an agreement with the distributor.

The return fee is paid monthly by the producers to waste management company MOHU. Returns must be accepted by vending machines, or manually in grocery stores larger than 400 square meters.

Mandatory return points must be established in municipalities with more than 1,000 inhabitants. Retail outlets that are required to operate vending machines will soon be able to register with MOHU. Shops with smaller sales areas can join the system voluntarily.

Producers with a volume of less than 5,000 units per year and bottles of special shapes and sizes may be exempted from the system.  During the transitional period which ends on June 30, 2024, beverage containers without labelling will not be phased out of the market.

For additional information, please contact csilla.viragos@trade.gov.