Deposit bottle affair: Zwickau advertising master strikes back!

Deposit bottle affair: Zwickau advertising master strikes back!

A new case of “pledge actionism” has emerged in the Zwickau region that is causing a stir. Niclas Matthei, self-proclaimed “advertising master”, has made it his mission to check compliance with the packaging law. This law obliges all sales outlets larger than 200 square meters to take back empties if they sell drinks themselves. According to Freie Presse five markets have already been displayed.

The uproar began when Matthei wanted to hand in his returnable bottles at a Media Markt branch in Zwickau-Schedewitz. However, his return was refused, prompting him to inform authorities. His venture began in mid-October when he tested in various stores such as a MÄC-GEIZ branch whether the acceptance of empties actually met the legal requirements. He wanted to hand in 24 deposit bottles there, but was refused on the grounds that the shop was supposedly smaller than 200 square meters. This gave Matthei pause and he contacted the authorities again to have the size of the business checked.

Reactions from the business world

Reactions to Mattheis' actions are mixed. While some stores are accommodating, they often refuse to take back his bottles. This is what happened to him in an OBI hardware store in Sankt Egidien, where his 24 deposit bottles were not accepted, which in turn led to a report. He also encountered the same resistance at a TEDI branch in Zwickau when he wanted to deliver 74 PET bottles. In these cases, Matthei clarified that the law does not specify an upper limit for the amount of empties.

Matthei argues that the return of empties is a legal right. The [Verpackungsgesetz](https://www.verbraucherzentrale.de/wissen/umwelt-finanz/abfall/fragen-und- Answeren-zum-einwegpfand-dosenpfand-11505), which has been in force since January 1, 2022, regulates the acceptance of disposable deposits and even provides for fines in the event of violations. But it remains unclear whether businesses will actually have to face consequences. The law itself states, among other things, that disposable packaging subject to a deposit must be clearly marked and returned to points of sale that sell the same material.

A topic of importance

The discussion about taking back deposit bottles is not new. It has repeatedly sparked heated debates in recent years, particularly in cities and regions with a high density of shops and consumers. Consumer advice centers also support compliance with such rules and encourage customers to exercise their rights. Ultimately, such actions are a sign that awareness of environmental issues and proper disposal is constantly growing.

With his commitment, Matthei shows that a lot can be achieved even on a small scale. It remains to be seen how the affected stores will react to the advertisements and whether these actions will change the way they accept empties in the future.