Hungary takes green strides: Unveils new DRS for recycling aluminium cans in collaboration with TOMRA

Recycling is the most important aspect or the need of the hour in the dynamic landscape of the aluminium industry. Many companies are taking up recycling initiatives to move towards a sustainable future, highlighting the importance of the same. Like, Hungary has implemented a new deposit return scheme (DRS) for disposable beverage containers in partnership with TOMRA and central system administrator MOL Hulladékgazdálkodási Zrt. (MOHU).
Hungary takes green strides: Unveils new DRS for recycling aluminium cans in collaboration with TOMRA
This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency of returning old packaging for recycling. The DRS only takes single-use aluminium cans and glass or plastic bottles for ready-to-drink or concentrated drinks, except milk and milk-based beverages. The size of these must fall between the ranges of 0.1 to 3 litres.
"We applaud Hungary's bold steps toward a circular future, with today's launch of the deposit return system a milestone in transforming waste management and promoting recycling. We look forward to working with MOHU further to secure solid public participation in the deposit return system and ensure a convenient network of return points for recycling," said Dávid Bakos, managing director Hungary at TOMRA Collection.
Hungary has installed around 1000 high-capacity reverse vending machines (RVMs) in medium supermarkets and hypermarkets. TOMRA has announced that more releases will be implemented during this year. The DRS offers several advantages, including automatically identifying and sorting drink containers within the RVMs. This streamlines the return process and enhances efficiency and security compared to manual return processes. Technology in sorting and refunding ensures a more convenient and reliable experience for consumers.
The goals of the DRS align with MOHU's objectives to reduce litter and promote a circular economy. By introducing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), the system holds producers accountable for the life cycle of their products, encouraging sustainable practices. Moreover, the DRS aims to collect 90% of plastic beverage bottles by 2029 by the European Union's Single-Use Plastics Directive.
"It's important to emphasize that cooperation is needed to protect our environment. Everyone has a responsibility: beverage producers, consumers, retailers selling beverages, and municipalities. Our work so far with TOMRA allows us to kick off the DRS with well-established collection infrastructure ahead of the scheme's start. We are looking forward to providing a high-performing DRS for our citizens together with strong support from our partners," said Szilvia Szabó, head of Producer Responsibility Systems at MOHU.
The announcement comes after Romania implemented the 'world's biggest' centralised DRS, with 80,000 collecting stations deployed nationwide, utilising Sensoneo's ready-to-integrate IT system. TOMRA will also spend €36 million this year on new infrastructure for reverse vending machines at a DRS in Quebec, Canada. The Netherlands extended its national DRS in March to cover beverage cans comprised of aluminium and steel.
source：https://www.alcircle.com/news/hungary-takes-green-strides-unveils-new-drs-for-recycling-aluminium-cans-in-collaboration-with-tomra-104511