Arriving Sustainably in Austria

Tips from Pepper The Fox

Pepper The Fox knows from experience: when you start a new life in Austria, you’ll quickly notice that environmental protection and sustainability are part of everyday life here. To make sure you’re well informed from the very beginning, Pepper has put together the most important tips – from waste separation and energy efficiency to shopping local.

Waste Separation: Well Sorted from the Start ♻️

Recycling is an integral part of everyday life in Austria. What gets separated is regulated across the country – though the container colors differ depending on the federal state.
In general, the following applies:
✔ Collect paper and cardboard separately
✔ Dispose of plastic and metal packaging separately
✔ Sort glass by color
✔ Residual waste in a separate bin
✔ Organic waste – where provided by the municipality

Pepper’s Tip: Ask your local municipality which bins are available in your area. In Vienna, the “Mist-App” is a useful tool (though it’s only in German). For English information, check out Recycling & Waste Management in Austria.

New since 2025: A deposit system applies to single-use plastic bottles and cans. You pay a small deposit at purchase and get it back when returning the container to the supermarket. A simple system that reduces waste – and saves you money.

Energy Efficiency: Smart Living and Saving 💡

Austrian winters can be cold – which makes it all the more important to keep an eye on heating costs and energy consumption. That’s why our RANDOS Relocation Consultants always pay attention to energy efficiency when searching for apartments. This way, our clients get through the heating season not only affordably but also sustainably.
✔ Prefer apartments with modern heating systems
✔ Heat rooms to around 20–22 °C
✔ Air out rooms briefly instead of leaving windows tilted open
✔ Keep radiators clear

Pepper’s Tip: Thermostatic valves help regulate the temperature perfectly.

Public Transport: Practical and Climate-Friendly 🚋

Austria’s public transport network is excellent. Trams, buses, and trains connect cities and regions seamlessly.

Pepper’s Tip: For schedules, route planners, and ticket info for Vienna, Lower Austria, and Burgenland, visit the Verkehrsverbund Ost-Region (VOR) – available in English at www.vor.at/en.

Enjoy Local & Avoid Food Waste 🍏

If you want to shop sustainably in Austria, there are plenty of options. A trip to one of Vienna’s many markets is always worthwhile, and regional products with the AMA organic label are a good choice. Seasonal specialties are available year-round:
✔ Apricots in summer
✔ Pumpkins in autumn
✔ Alpine cheese all year round

Food waste is another area where you can make a difference. Apps like Too Good To Go or ResQ Club let you save surplus food that would otherwise be thrown away.

Pepper’s Tip: Many bakeries and restaurants participate in these initiatives – it’s worth giving them a try.

Conclusion: Small Steps, Big Impact 🌱

Moving to Austria marks the start of a new everyday life. Sustainability here isn’t an extra – it’s part of daily living. Whether at the deposit return machine, on the bus, or at the farmers’ market, opportunities to act consciously are everywhere.

Pepper says: those who take these opportunities not only reduce their environmental footprint but also save money in their new home.

Don’t worry – be relocAIDed…