Repair & ReuseBudapestStairwell bottle-run brigadePool empty drink containers and split the deposit Since 2024, Hungary's DRS (Deposit Return System) adds 50 forint to most drink bottles and cans from 0.1 to 3 litres, plastic, metal, or glass, marked on the label. MOHU runs the reverse-vending network under the national waste concession. Instead of each flat walking alone, neighbours pool marked empties in a stairwell crate; one volunteer runs them to the supermarket machine weekly and splits the refund fairly. What you can do - Floor captains: label a crate in the lobby, only DRS-marked containers, rinsed and crushed if needed - Families with kids: turn the bottle-run into a shared piggy bank for block flowers or the laundry-room bulb fund - Elderly neighbours: offer to carry their bag when you already go to the shop with the machine How it works Reverse-vending machines at larger supermarkets read the barcode and pay out instantly. Milk-based drinks and very small producers are exempt, check the DRS logo before collecting. Why it matters Circularity works when return trips are shared, fewer solo car rides, more pocket money for the stairwell. Source & repost Shared here so you can get inspired or find action already happening near you. Solarpunker does not own or organise it. Source: RSM Hungary: DRS overview · MOHU: A koncesszió. Photo: reverse vending machines (Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA).depositrecyclingbottlesmutual-aidDRS
CommunityBrusselsStatiegeldalliantie: 730 cities for deposit return systemsA coalition of municipalities pushing for bottles that come back The Statiegeldalliantie (Deposit Return System Alliance) has grown to include approximately 730 cities and municipalities across Belgium and the Netherlands, all committed to supporting binding deposit return systems for beverage packaging. The alliance unites local governments, civil society organisations, and businesses in a shared advocacy coalition. What the Statiegeldalliantie does - Coordinates political pressure on national governments to mandate deposit return systems - Documents the environmental and economic case for bottle and can deposits - Connects municipalities with reuse solution providers ahead of future regulation - Celebrates member cities that already pilot local reuse and return schemes How to engage - Residents: ask your mayor or councillor whether your municipality has joined the Statiegeldalliantie - Businesses: return beverage containers via existing deposit points; advocate with your trade association for deposit return expansion - Municipalities not yet in the alliance: contact Fair Resource Foundation to join Why it matters 730 municipalities representing millions of residents signal to national parliaments that deposit return is a political priority: not just an environmental ask. When local governments coordinate at this scale, national legislation follows. Source & repost Shared here so you can get inspired or find action already happening near you. Solarpunker does not own or organise it. - Lead: Fair Resource Foundation + Statiegeldalliantie partners - Report chapter: ZWE State of Zero Waste Municipalities, 5th edition Photo: Donald Trung, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons.jpg).deposit-returnpackagingpolicycoalitionbottles
