Those who gather promises are frequently subjected to harassment
In the bustling city of Hamburg, Germany, there have been growing concerns regarding the inconsistent application of bottle deposit return rules in supermarkets and discount stores. This issue, particularly affecting bottle collectors, has been causing a stir due to misunderstandings and disagreements over the rules governing bottle returns.
According to German deposit law, retailers that sell drinks in deposit bottles are generally required to accept returns of bottles of the same material, even if they were purchased elsewhere. However, smaller shops, not selling the returned bottles, can invoke a legal exemption to refuse returns[1]. This exemption has been the source of many refusals, as some discount stores and smaller shops exercise this right, causing problems for bottle collectors who depend on being able to return any deposit bottle for a refund irrespective of purchase location[1].
Complaints about refused bottle deposits have been most prevalent at retailers like Edeka, Rewe, and Netto[2]. While larger supermarkets generally comply with the rule to accept returns regardless of origin, some discount stores or smaller shops invoke the exemption to refuse returns.
The Packaging Act obliges traders to accept one-way drink packaging and refund the deposit[1]. Yet, reasons given by stores for refusal include unreadable labels, faulty machines, or full warehouses. It's worth noting that the Higher Regional Court of Stuttgart ruled in 2023 that even dented cans must be accepted[3].
If deposit refusal continues, a complaint can be filed with the Hamburg Consumer Center. The Consumer Center also provides a sample complaint letter for the local waste authority. No fines were imposed in any case, as they were all "first offenses"[4].
Netto, one of the retailers with the most complaints, states a strong interest in accepting bottles and cans for ecological and economic reasons[5]. Edeka, another major player, voluntarily accepts reusable bottles, although not obligated to do so[6].
Consumer protector Tristan Jorde has collected hundreds of such complaints over the years, with many bottle collectors reporting harassment, bans, and even police involvement[7]. Jorde suspects that people who look poorer are treated harshly in this regard[8].
The Hamburg Environmental Authority received eight complaints about refused bottle deposit returns last year[9]. The Consumer Center provides a pocket-sized card explaining the legal situation to help consumers navigate these issues[10].
Innovations and technologies, such as those developed by companies in Hamburg, support recycling efforts but do not override the return rules applied at retail points[3]. Germany's recycling system involving deposit bottles, including PET bottles, is highly developed and focused on sustainability and resource conservation[3].
In conclusion, the inconsistent application of bottle return rules by retail outlets, especially smaller shops exercising their legal exemption, poses problems to bottle collectors in Hamburg. The Hamburg Consumer Center encourages those affected by deposit refusal to file complaints to ensure a fair and consistent application of the return rules.
- Despite the growing concern around the inconsistent application of bottle deposit return rules in supermarkets and discount stores, some home-and-garden retailers, like Edeka and Netto, have expressed a strong interest in accepting bottles and cans for ecological and economic reasons.
- As bottle collectors face difficulties returning their deposit bottles for a refund at smaller shops, particularly those not selling the returned bottles, they can turn to shopping at retailers like Edeka and Netto, which generally comply with the rule to accept returns regardless of origin.
