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What does "Pfandautomat" mean in English?

Business, Waste & Recycling • 
Last updated on 10 April 2024

The Pfandautomat, literally translated as “deposit machine,” is a common sight in Germany, particularly in supermarkets and beverage markets.

What is “Pfandautomat”?

A Pfandautomat is an automated machine where individuals can return their empty beverage containers like bottles and cans to receive a refund of the deposit they paid when purchasing the drink. This system is part of Germany’s effort to encourage recycling and reduce waste. The deposit, known as “Pfand,” incentivizes consumers to return their containers instead of discarding them[3][4].

More information about “Pfandautomat”

Pfandautomaten are designed to accept specific types of containers, usually identified by a deposit logo or symbol on the label. These machines can differentiate between single-use (Einweg) and multi-use (Mehrweg) containers, processing them accordingly. Single-use containers are typically crushed and recycled, while multi-use ones are sorted for cleaning and refilling[3][4].

Here are some additional terms that are related to Pfandautomat:

  • Pfand: The deposit paid on beverage containers that can be refunded upon return[3].
  • Einwegflasche: Single-use bottles subject to a fixed deposit and recycled after use[4].
  • Mehrwegflasche: Multi-use bottles that are cleaned, refilled, and reused multiple times[4].
  • Getränkekiste: Beverage crates that also carry a deposit and can be returned via Pfandautomat[3].

Pfandautomaten play a crucial role in Germany’s environmental efforts, making the process of recycling convenient and rewarding for consumers.

Sources

[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/germany/comments/v6rnlz/how_does_a_pfandautomat_work/?rdt=59242 [2] https://www.reddit.com/r/germany/comments/fghl88/do_all_rewe_markets_have_the_pfand_machines/ [3] https://www.blackforestfamily.com/living-in-germany/understanding-pfand-in-germany-all-you-need-to-know [4] https://en.charlingua.de/post/pfand-system-germany [5] https://www.reddit.com/r/germany/comments/13krnag/do_you_think_other_countries_should_implement/ [6] https://www.learngerman.blog/en/pfandsystem-the-german-deposit-refund-system [7] https://www.brownrecycling.co.uk/news-advice/pfand-discover-germanys-bottle-recycling-system/ [8] https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/sites/default/files/medien/1410/publikationen/2019-02-20_texte_29-2019_einweggetraenkebechern_im_ausser-haus-verzehr_final.pdf [9] https://www.simplegermany.com/pfand-germany/ [10] https://www.dw.com/en/how-does-germanys-bottle-deposit-scheme-work/a-50923039 [11] https://allaboutberlin.com/guides/pfand-bottles [12] https://www.study-in-germany.de/en/community/pfand-system-in-germany/ [13] https://www.how-to-germany.com/recycling-in-germany/ [14] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reverse_vending_machine [15] https://allaboutberlin.com/guides/sorting-trash-in-germany [16] https://vgu.edu.vn/documents/2355408/3944062/Cam%2Bnang%2Bdu%2Bhoc%2BDuc.pdf/6852b19d-dd1f-4ffe-9f1b-2a3b806e9c14 [17] https://www.alibaba.com/showroom/plastic-bottle-recycling-machine-for-sale.html [18] https://oekocup.de/en/ [19] https://recup.de