Bottle redemption system in Hungary did not kick off as smoothly as expected
In shops across the region, MoHu has installed machines known as REponts to facilitate collection and recycling of plastic bottles, drinks glasses and cans. While the bottle redemption system in Hungary aims to foster environmental sustainability and encourage recycling, it faces several operational challenges. Many are unhappy with the system and request an effective solution.
Frustration and confusion follow the bottle redemption system
Portfolio reports that an impressive two and a half million bottles are being exchanged by customers every day. Despite this success, the process has encountered several issues in Hungary. RTL captured footage at a vending machine where customers struggled to return a theoretically acceptable beer can. The machine initially refused the can, causing frustration and confusion. After some fiddling, the customers finally managed to get the machine to accept it, highlighting the need for more reliable technology.
In another instance, shoppers expressed dissatisfaction with the location of the return machines, complaining about the inconvenience of having to walk a long distance through the store to return their bottles. One exasperated customer remarked:
“You have to walk all the way through the store to return a damn bottle.”
Retailers are dissatisfied too
The capacity of the vending machines also presents a problem. They fill up quickly, leading to crowds of confused customers. Shops also face challenges with the collection process. The returned bottles are not taken back promptly, resulting in overflowing bins. According to Tamás Kozák, Secretary General of the National Trade Association, retailers can only beg for the bottles to be taken away. Retailers have voiced their concerns about the reliability of these machines.
Kozák pointed out several issues. For instance, customers and retailers do not understand the core of an occurring software error when you put in the bottle correctly. He also notes that it is quite problematic that the fixing of these machines is relatively slow. If there is a machine saying it’s out of order, it should be replaced for smoother operation.
Unexpectedly high returns
Gábor Ozoli, spokesman for MoHu, acknowledged that the return rate of bottles is slightly higher than anticipated, necessitating effective management of these high returns. Despite the issues, Ozoli emphasised the importance of ensuring these millions of bottles are recycled appropriately. However, another challenge has emerged: customers are leaving non-returnable bottles behind, which also require storage. Nevertheless, the high percentage of returned bottles might not be too surprising, to encourage participation in the bottle redemption system, customers can receive their deposit fee immediately via an app.
Read also:
- Drinks shopping will change in Hungary: here comes the bottle redemption system
- Deposit refund system – New era in Hungarian stores: Bottle redemption system takes off
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