Returning excessive and broken glass containers
30.09.2026
After the busiest return season, we ask that you return all excess and broken containers so that they can be cleaned and repaired for the next season. You can order the collection of the containers from the beverage supplier.
The beverage supplier refunds the container deposits after collecting the containers (large container 600 L, deposit €150, VAT 25.5% and small container 240 L, deposit €80, VAT 25.5%).
Glass containers can also be returned empty to the beverage supplier.
The effect of the value added tax change on deposit values
09.07.2024
The Finnish Government has proposed an increase on VAT 1.9.2024 onwards. According to proposal VAT will change from 24 % to 25,5 %. The Finnish Parliament has yet to confirm the change.
The new tax-free deposit values are applied according to the following schedules:
- In deposit refunds credited to return points starting from the billing period 1-15 September 2024.
- In the deposits invoiced from breweries and beverage importers, in invoicing from September sales reports (invoicing at the beginning of October).
The new tax-free deposit values are used in all deposit statements and debits from the periods mentioned above.
Instructions for return locations
01.06.2023
Return instructions for returns without reverse vending machine
Cans / plastic bottles
Sort cans and plastic bottles separately.
Return all cans, also non-deposit.
Return only plastic bottles with Palpa´s deposit marking.
NOTE! Non-deposit plastic bottles must not be sorted into deposit material, as the recyclability of the material cannot be guaranteed. Due to the recycling of plastic, different types of plastic must not be mixed. In addition, the wrong materials in the packaging can prevent recycling.
Non-deposit plastic bottles can be recycled by returning them to a plastic collection point or as an energy fraction.
Return in a manual bag
Return cand and plastic bottles only in a manual bag (red print).
Close the bag tightly with a tie band and attach Palpa sticker to the tie.
NOTE! The bag must not be overfilled.
Glass bottles
Sort beverage bottles of glass as intact and empty to a glass container.
Note! It is not allowed to put refillable glass bottles to Palpa's glass container. Return them in a crate or on plastic tray to Hartwall.
Impurities prevent recycling
Returns must not contain rubbish or other impurities as they will prevent recycling.
If the return is made in violation of the instructions, Palpa is entitled to sanction the return location for noncompliance with the instructions. The beverage supplier has the right to refuse to accept packaged transport units in violation of the instructions.
Remember to follow Palpa's sorting and return instructions in all returns.
Notification of contact information changes
Please remember to inform Palpa if the contact information of your place of business changes. Changes can be reported to the address [email protected] or to number (09) 868 9860.
Non-deposit plastic bottles
02.06.2022
Non-deposit plastic bottles must not be sorted into Palpa's transport units, as the recyclability of the material cannot be guaranteed.
Due to the recycling of plastic, different types of plastic must not be mixed. In addition, the wrong materials in the packaging can prevent recycling.
Palpa does not pay a deposit for plastic bottles that are not part of the return system.
Non-deposit plastic bottles can be recycled by returning them to a plastic collection point or as an energy fraction.
Impurities prevent recycling
Returns must not contain rubbish or other impurities as they will prevent recycling.
If the return is made in violation of the instructions, Palpa is entitled to sanction the return location for noncompliance with the instructions. The beverage supplier has the right to refuse to accept packaged transport units in violation of the instructions.
Remember to follow Palpa's sorting and return instructions in all returns.
Emptying service for glass bottles
28.04.2021
Return instructions for emptying service
The emptying service instructions have been updated in early 2021 and can be found here:
- Instruction for returns with reverse vending machine
- Instruction for returns without reverse vending machine
See also instruction video for emptying service.
All instructions related to returns can be found in the material bank of our website.
Glass container emptying rhythm
At the emptying service, the glass containers are emptied at the
return location in the agreed emptying rhythm. The current emptying rhythm and driving date can be checked in the emptying service section of Palpa Extranet service.
If you do not have a username for the Extranet service, you can order them at [email protected].
If you need to change driving days or emptying rhythm, you can contact your service provider directly. Contact information can be found in the emptying service section of the Extranet service.
Sorting of beverage packages
The appropriate sorting of beverage packages ensures that the recyclable material remains so clean that new food packages can be made of it.
Sort only bottles of glass into a glass container. Return glass bottles intact and empty. Drink residues from glass bottles contaminate the glass container and cause for example fly problems in the summertime.
NOTE! It is not allowed to put cans, plastic bottles, ceramic bottles, porcelain, garbage or other glass material (drinking glasses) into a container.
Impurities prevent the glass material from being recycled
Returns must not contain garbage or other impurities as they will prevent recycling.
If the return does not comply with Palpa's instructions, the driver has the right not to empty the container. The return location is responsible for emptying a container that has not been emptied due to impurities into mixed waste at its own expense if it is not possible to remove the impurities from the glass container.
Please remember to follow Palpa's sorting and return instructions in all your returns.
Sorting instruction
Customer satisfaction survey for emptying service for glass bottles 2020
The customer satisfaction survey was conducted during September-October 2020 for the retail and Horeca return locations involved in the emptying service. The questionnaire was sent to a total of 1999 return locations and 296 responses were received. We thank all respondents for their good feedback.
The recommendation percentage for Palpa's glass bottle emptying service was 74%.