Lightweight and metal pack­ag­ing

From 2025, all lightweight and metal packaging throughout Austria will be collected in the yellow bin or yellow bag. This is due to the introduction of a deposit.

Deposit introduction: From 1 January 2025, a deposit will also be charged on single-use plastic drinks bottles and metal drinks cans (0.1-3 litres) and an amount of 25 cents per container, which will be refunded after return in shops or vending machines. The deposit can only be returned if the Austrian deposit logo and the barcode are clearly recognisable. The packaging must be empty, uncrushed and the label must be complete and legible.

This frees up collection volume in the yellow bins/yellow bags and this can be filled up with metal packaging without overloading the collection system.

Gradual changeover: Please note that the changeover will not take place across the board immediately from 1 January 2025, as the containers for metal packaging cannot be removed from the entire city area at the same time.

This can go in the collection bins:

Light packaging:

• Detergent and cosmetic bottles, plastic canisters
• Plastic bottles and tubes (e.g. for ketchup, oil, etc.)
• Plastic bags and nets (e.g. shopping bags)
• Packaging films (e.g. from electrical appliances)
• Plastic containers, plastic cups (e.g. yoghurt pots), plastic egg packaging, plastic lids and closures
• Vacuum packaging, coated frozen food packaging
• Fruit, vegetable and meat cups,
• polystyrene packaging
• Wooden crates, jute sacks – packaging only
• Empty plastic medicine packaging
• Blister packs (e.g. press-out tablet packaging)
• Ceramic cosmetic jars
• Milk and drinks cartons (tetrapack)
• Disposable crockery
• Butter packaging

Metal packaging:

• Tin can
• Pet food cans
• Paint and varnish cans without residual contents
• Metal tubes (e.g. for mustard)
• Metal foils, lid foils (e.g. from yoghurt pots)
• Metal screw caps

Disposable plastic drinks bottles and drinks cans can of course also be disposed of in the collection bins – but this means you forgo the deposit.

This must not be placed in the collection containers:

• X-rays
• Toys
• Toys, electrically operated
• Plastic crockery (e.g. bowls, pots – if not disposable)
• Floor coverings and carpets
• Installation pipes, garden hoses, etc.
• Flower pots (if not disposable packaging)
• Foam materials (mattresses, upholstery),
• Styrofoam parts (small parts)
• Foils (e.g. agricultural and covering foils)
• wood
• textiles
• Plastic buckets (if not disposable packaging)
• Beverage crates, plastic pallets (return to the shop)
• Tools (e.g. hammers, pliers, screwdrivers)
• Nails, wires, coat hooks
• Car body and engine parts
• Metal beds or parts thereof
• Metal household items (e.g. knives, forks, spoons, saucepans, etc.)
• Paint and spray cans with contents
• Paint and oil cans with contents
• Batteries (or return to the shop)
• Old electrical appliances (e.g. drills, mixers, hoovers)

Separate correctly:

Lightweight packaging may only be emptied of residues (i.e. drip-free, trickle-free, brush-clean, spatula-clean) and thrown into the collection container.
Never put engine and gearbox oil packaging, even if it is made of plastic, in the collection container – it is hazardous waste and should be returned to the retailer or a hazardous waste collection centre!
If possible, throw plastic packaging in compressed – this saves space.

Further waste separation tips:

• If possible, buy products in reusable packaging (returnable bottles, etc.).
• Use reusable bags or a shopping basket for your shopping.

Separate correctly:

Metal packaging may only be thrown into the collection container when completely empty (i.e. drip-free, trickle-free, brush-clean, spatula-clean).
Metal packaging that is not completely empty should be disposed of with residual waste.
Paint and spray cans may only be thrown in completely empty and unpressurised. Never open cans!

Further waste separation tips:

• The following applies to paint and aerosol cans: If you are not sure about the contents, take these containers/cans to the hazardous waste collection centre or to the Graz Resource Park of Holding Graz.
• For ecological reasons, do not use aluminium drinks cans; prefer returnable glass bottles!
• Clean your metal packaging and throw it into the collection container! This way you avoid unpleasant odours.