How to Return Empty Bottles in Denmark (2025)
Wondering what to do with your empty bottles and cans in Denmark? Here’s how the “pant” deposit system works, how to return them, get your refund, and help the environment!
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Quick fact: Denmark’s pant system recycles over 1.5 billion bottles and cans each year. Returning them isn’t just good for the planet—it puts cash back in your pocket!
Overview: The Danish “Pant” System
Deposit on Bottles & Cans
Most drinks (water, soda, beer, energy drinks, cider) in plastic, glass, or metal have a “pant” deposit—look for the “pant” logo and barcode.
How Much is Pant?
Small cans/bottles: 1–1.5 DKK; large bottles (over 1L): 3 DKK+. The amount is marked on the label.
Return & Get Paid
Bring empties to any supermarket or convenience store with a “pantstation” (reverse vending machine), scan them, and get a refund slip.
What is the Pant System?
Pant Markings
Look for the “pant A”, “pant B”, or “pant C” symbol and barcode. No logo means no refund (e.g., most juice, milk, and wine bottles).
What’s Not Accepted?
Bottles from outside Denmark, wine/spirits, juice cartons, milk, and some specialty drinks are not accepted in the pant system.
Why Return Bottles?
It’s the law! Plus, Denmark’s system is among the world’s best at recycling and reducing waste.
Where & How to Return Bottles
Supermarkets & Pantstations
Find a “pantstation” at almost all major supermarkets (Netto, Føtex, REMA 1000, Lidl, Meny, Coop 365, Kvickly, etc.)—usually near the entrance.
How It Works
Insert each bottle/can into the slot, barcode first. The machine scans, accepts, and sorts your returns.
Get a Refund Ticket
When finished, press “Print” and collect your refund slip (“pantbon”)—use it as cash or at checkout.
Pant Refunds & Vouchers
Get Cash or Store Credit
Take your refund ticket to the cashier for cash or use it toward your groceries—most shops accept it as payment.
Donate to Charity
Many machines offer a “Donate” button—your pant goes to support Danish or international charities.
No Expiry on Tickets
Pant tickets usually don’t expire, but use them soon for convenience. Lost tickets cannot be refunded.
Tips & Etiquette
Empty & Not Crushed
Bottles/cans must be empty, not crushed, and barcode must be readable. Rinse them briefly for hygiene.
Line Etiquette
If busy, let others go ahead if you have a large bag or crate—locals appreciate it!
Leave for Collectors
In cities, it’s common to leave deposit bottles beside bins for “pant collectors” (often students or homeless)—it’s legal and encouraged.
Useful Links & Resources
Find a Pantstation
Most supermarkets and larger grocery stores in Denmark.
Related Guides on exploringdenmark.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I have bottles from another country?
Only bottles and cans with Danish pant logo/barcode are accepted. Foreign ones go in the normal recycling bin.
What’s not accepted?
Wine/spirits, juice/milk cartons, and any bottle without the pant symbol.
How much do I get for each bottle/can?
Usually 1–3 DKK per item, depending on size. It’s marked on the label.
Can I donate my pant refund?
Yes, many machines let you donate directly to charity—look for the “Donate” option.
Is it okay to leave bottles for collectors?
Yes—placing pant bottles beside bins (not in them) is common and appreciated by collectors.
Do the refund tickets expire?
Usually no, but shops may change systems or close—use your ticket soon for peace of mind.
Can tourists use the pant system?
Yes—everyone can return bottles and get a refund, no ID or Danish address needed.
Do I need to rinse bottles before returning?
It’s not required, but a quick rinse is courteous and keeps machines (and queues) clean!