Billa Tests New Machines for Bulk Bottle and Can Returns in Austria

Dumping up to 100 bottles and cans per minute into a new high-tech reverse vending machine replaces single-item insertion at select Austrian supermarkets, oe24 reported.

The new machines process unsorted plastic bottles and aluminum cans in bulk, allowing customers to empty entire bags directly into the unit rather than feeding items in one by one.

Billa is testing the innovative deposit machines in at least five locations across Austria, according to oe24. The rollout aims to streamline returns, particularly for quantities starting at 20 pieces, while eliminating wait times and keeping hands clean. Operation is handled via a touchscreen, and the machine dispenses the familiar deposit receipt at the end of the process.

The tested locations include the BILLA store at Praterstern in 1020 Vienna, alongside four BILLA PLUS markets located at Am Spitz 5 in 2620 Neunkirchen, Johann-Steinböck-Straße 7a in 2345 Brunn am Gebirge, Färberstraße 3 in 5760 Saalfelden, and Wienerstraße 38 in 2000 Stockerau. In Stockerau, the specific model in use is the “TOMRA R1”, which operates alongside three additional traditional return machines.

This infrastructure expansion aligns with the nationwide single-use deposit system for plastic beverage bottles and metal cans made of aluminum and tinplate that launched in Austria on January 1, 2025. While the initial 80 percent recycling target has been met according to the trade association, the statutory regulations will tighten in 2027.

Under the single-use beverage packaging deposit ordinance, the central clearing body “EWP Recycling Pfand Österreich gGmbH” must ensure that at least 90 weight percent of covered single-use packaging is collected separately. To secure this target, the organization is working alongside grocery retailers and waste management companies to densify logistics chains.