„The most important success factor for any deposit return system is consumer acceptance.“ Monika Fiala
Austria launched its deposit return system for PET bottles and beverage cans in January 2025. We spoke with Monika Fiala, Treasurer of EDRSA and Co-Country Manager of Recycling Pfand Österreich, about its impact, key success factors, and the importance of European cooperation.
Could you briefly introduce yourself and explain your role in the Austrian deposit return system as well as on the EDRSA Board?
My name is Monika Fiala, and I am Co-Country Manager of Recycling Pfand Österreich. Since January 2025, our DRS for PET bottles and beverage cans has been successfully in operation.
In addition, I serve on the Board of the European Deposit Return Systems Association (EDRSA), where I contribute the Austrian perspective and work together with other European systems to further develop efficient and sustainable deposit solutions.
How do you generally perceive the deposit return system, particularly in terms of its functionality and significance?
The deposit return system is a key pillar of a functioning circular economy. It ensures that valuable materials such as PET and aluminium are returned to the production cycle, thereby actively supporting the achievement of EU recycling targets.
From a consumer perspective, the anti-littering effect is particularly relevant: the deposit provides a clear incentive to return containers and thus visibly contributes to cleaner public spaces. Overall, the system combines environmental impact with strong everyday relevance for the producers.
From a consumer perspective, the anti-littering effect is particularly relevant: the deposit provides a clear incentive to return containers and thus visibly contributes to cleaner public spaces. Overall, the system combines environmental impact with strong everyday relevance for the producers.
What experiences or benefits does EDRSA membership bring to you – both as a DRS operator and for Austria as a whole?
Membership in EDRSA provides extremely valuable exchange on multiple levels. On the one hand, we benefit from direct dialogue with other managing directors and experts in various working groups; on the other hand, visits to other countries offer insights into different operational approaches and best practices.
Equally important is the joint strategic alignment at the European level – particularly with regard to regulatory developments such as the PPWR. By coordinating positions across DRS systems, we can speak with a strong, unified voice to the European Commission. This strengthens not only individual systems but also the advancement of the circular economy across Europe as a whole.
Membership in EDRSA provides extremely valuable exchange on multiple levels. On the one hand, we benefit from direct dialogue with other managing directors and experts in various working groups; on the other hand, visits to other countries offer insights into different operational approaches and best practices.
Equally important is the joint strategic alignment at the European level – particularly with regard to regulatory developments such as the PPWR. By coordinating positions across DRS systems, we can speak with a strong, unified voice to the European Commission. This strengthens not only individual systems but also the advancement of the circular economy across Europe as a whole.
What message would you like to share with countries currently preparing to introduce deposit return systems – and what do you see as the main challenges and ways forward?
The most important success factor for any deposit return system is consumer acceptance. Therefore, a DRS must be designed to be as convenient and user-friendly as possible from the very beginning. Only if the return process is simple and accessible will the system be widely adopted in everyday life and ultimately succeed. Many backend processes can be adjusted and optimized during operation. Key challenges include striking the right balance between convenience and efficiency, as well as continuously developing the system further.
The most important success factor for any deposit return system is consumer acceptance. Therefore, a DRS must be designed to be as convenient and user-friendly as possible from the very beginning. Only if the return process is simple and accessible will the system be widely adopted in everyday life and ultimately succeed. Many backend processes can be adjusted and optimized during operation. Key challenges include striking the right balance between convenience and efficiency, as well as continuously developing the system further.
