National 3-point action plan
The Austrian Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology is currently working on a 3-point plan to be implemented as of 2021 that includes:
- Mandatory quotas for the proportion of refillable beverage containers retailers sell. The quota will increase from 25% in 2023 to 40% in 2024, reaching 55% in 2030.
- A national deposit return system (DRS) for plastic bottles and cans.
- A staggered producer tax for plastic packaging, with lower taxes for more easily recyclable packaging.
All points are still under discussion between the two governing parties, with no final political decision yet. The first point is to be addressed in an upcoming amendment to the Waste Management Act; the second is to be implemented in the form of an authorisation to issue local laws; and the third is to be regulated as part of the budget.
