tagastatavat

Tagastatavat is an Estonian term that translates to "refundable" or "returnable" in English. It generally refers to an item or a deposit that can be returned to its original owner or purchaser under certain conditions. The most common application of this term is in the context of packaging, particularly for beverages.

In Estonia, many beverage containers, such as plastic bottles, glass bottles, and aluminum cans, are subject to a deposit-refund system. When a consumer purchases a beverage in such a container, they pay an additional small fee, the "tagastatav" deposit. Upon returning the empty container to a designated collection point, usually a supermarket or a specialized recycling machine, the consumer receives their deposit back. This system is designed to encourage recycling and reduce waste.

The tagastatav deposit is typically a small amount, often between 0.10 and 0.40 euros, depending on the type and size of the container. The containers must be returned in a relatively clean and undamaged state for the deposit to be refunded. Specialized machines scan the barcodes on the containers to verify their eligibility for the refund. This initiative has proven effective in increasing the collection and recycling rates of beverage packaging in Estonia. Beyond packaging, the term can also be used in other contexts where a sum of money or an item is conditionally returnable.