How to Return Empty Bottles in Denmark (2025) | exploringdenmark

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How to Return Empty Bottles in Denmark (2025)

New to the Danish deposit system (pant)? Here’s how it works, what’s accepted, where to return bottles/cans, how to get your refund, plus etiquette and useful links.

Quick fact: Denmark’s pant system recycles well over a billion containers each year. Returning them helps the planet—and puts kroner back in your pocket.

Overview: how “pant” works

🥤 Deposit on drinks

Most water, soda, beer and energy drinks in plastic, glass, or cans carry a deposit. Look for the pant logo near the barcode.

🏷️ How much?

Typically ~1–1.5 DKK for small items and ~3 DKK for larger bottles (≥1 L). The exact amount appears on the label.

💵 Get your refund

Return empties at supermarket reverse-vending machines (“pantstation”). Print a ticket and redeem for cash or groceries.

What is the pant system?

🅿️ Pant markings

Labels show “Pant A/B/C” and a scannable barcode. No pant logo = no refund (common for wine/spirits, milk/juice cartons).

🚫 Not accepted

Foreign containers, wine & spirits bottles, milk/juice cartons, and unmarked items aren’t part of pant—use normal recycling.

🌍 Why return?

It’s required by Danish rules and supports one of the world’s most effective beverage recycling systems.

Where & how to return bottles/cans

🏪 Supermarkets & kiosks

Find pant machines in most chains (Netto, Føtex, REMA 1000, Lidl, Meny, Coop 365, Kvickly, etc.), usually near entrances.

📷 Scan & sort

Feed items barcode-first. The machine scans, accepts and auto-sorts glass/plastic/cans.

🧾 Print your ticket

Tap “Print” to get a refund slip (pantbon). Redeem at checkout or the cashier.

Pant refunds & vouchers

💳 Cash or store credit

Use the ticket to pay for groceries or exchange it for cash—varies by store policy.

🎁 Donate your pant

Many machines offer a “Donate” option to send your refund to charity.

⏱️ Ticket validity

Tickets usually don’t expire, but it’s smart to redeem soon. Lost tickets can’t be reissued.

Tips & etiquette

🧼 Empty, readable, uncrushed

Containers must be empty and scannable. A quick rinse helps keep queues and machines clean.

👥 Queue courtesy

Got a big bag or crate? Let someone with a few items go first—very Danish of you.

🤝 Leave for collectors

In cities, placing pant bottles beside bins (not inside) helps collectors—it’s common and welcomed.

Useful links & resources

🔗 Official pant info

dansk-retursystem.dk/en — system overview, videos, FAQ.

🏷️ Pant logos & types

Pant marking guide — see what’s accepted.

🗺️ Find a pantstation

Most supermarkets nationwide—check your local store’s entrance or customer service.

Frequently asked questions

🌍 Foreign bottles?

Only Danish-marked items are refundable. Put foreign containers in your normal recycling stream.

🚫 Not accepted?

Wine/spirits, milk/juice cartons, and anything without pant marking.

💰 Refund per item?

Usually 1–3 DKK depending on size. Check the label for the exact pant amount.

🎗️ Donate refunds?

Yes—select “Donate” on compatible machines to give your pant to charity.

🙆 Leave for collectors?

Yes—placing pant items beside bins (not inside) is a common courtesy in many areas.

🧾 Ticket expiry?

Generally no hard expiry, but redeem promptly; lost tickets can’t be replaced.

🧳 Can tourists use it?

Absolutely. No Danish ID or address needed to return and get a refund.

🚿 Rinse first?

Not required, but a quick rinse keeps machines pleasant and queues moving.