AfD's Bid for Higher Deposit on Beer Crates Fails - Bavaria Rejects AfD's Push for Higher Deposits on Reusable Bottles

A push by the AfD to raise deposits on reusable bottles and drink crates in Bavaria has failed. The party argued that higher fees would cut littering and help breweries recover lost containers. But opposition from other parties and industry groups blocked the motion in the state parliament.

The AfD proposed increasing the deposit on glass reusable bottles from 8 to 25 cents and on drink crates from 1.50 to 5 euros. Party representative Harald Meußgeier claimed the move would reduce waste and save Bavarian breweries money. According to him, unreturned bottles and crates cost breweries around 200 million bottles and one million crates each year.

The proposal faced strong criticism from rival parties. Laura Weber of the Greens called it 'unsocial and bottom-of-the-barrel,' arguing that higher deposits would not address pensioner poverty as the AfD suggested. The CSU dismissed the plan as 'symbolic politics' and a poorly thought-out idea. The SPD, Free Voters, and Greens also rejected the motion, ensuring its defeat.

Industry groups also distanced themselves from the AfD's claims. The Association of Private Breweries in Bavaria clarified that it did not support the proposal, despite the AfD citing its backing. The Greens further argued that deposit levels should remain a decision for the beverage industry, not politicians.

At the federal level, the German government has not backed similar proposals. As of March 2026, it continues to reject AfD calls for a nationwide deposit increase from 25 cents to 50 cents on reusable bottles and cartons.

The AfD's motion to raise deposits in Bavaria was rejected by all major parties and industry representatives. Without broader support, the proposal will not move forward. Breweries and lawmakers will instead maintain current deposit levels for now.