Comparing Deposit Refund Systems in Europe: The Case of Hungary

Abstract This study examines the design and early operation of the Hungarian Deposit Refund/Return System/Schemes (DRS), introduced in January 2024 as part of of national waste management and EU circular economy compliance. The analysis compares DRS of Hungary with selected European systems to assess how national implementation reflects EU-level packaging waste objectives. Drawing on Eurostat data, legal and policy documents, the Global Deposit Book, and practitioner-informed expert knowledge, the study combines quantitative trend analysis with qualitative comparative system mapping. The quantitative results show that per capita plastic, aluminium, and glass packaging waste generally increased across European countries between 2012 and 2023, with exponential models providing a better fit in several cases. The qualitative analysis shows that DRS of Hungary shares several features with high-performing European systems, including mandatory participation, broad material scope, nationwide return infrastructure, and central coordination. However, it differs in governance because it operates within a state concession-based waste management model, with limited producer control, centralised ownership of return infrastructure, and no direct offsetting of producer fees by revenues from collected materials. The study contributes to governance-oriented DRS literature by showing that concession-based arrangements may represent a distinct implementation pathway within the European DRS landscape. Ensuring transparency, stakeholder participation, and financial accountability will be critical for the long-term legitimacy and efficiency of the Hungarian model.