Biznes Fakty
„In practice, this means bankruptcy.” The retail industry is sounding the alarm.
Deputy Minister regarding the deposit system and pharmacies PAP
The introduction of the deposit-refund system is nearing, yet the retail sector—a crucial component for the successful implementation of the new measures—remains unheard, cautions the Polish Chamber of Commerce. „We endorse eco-friendly initiatives, but not at the expense of retail outlets,” states Maciej Ptaszyński, the organization’s president.
The Polish Chamber of Commerce highlights that while shops smaller than 200 square meters are not obligated to collect beverage containers, experiences from other nations that have adopted similar systems suggest that those businesses that opt out of the comprehensive deposit-refund scheme may face a revenue loss of around 30%. „In practical terms, this could lead to bankruptcy,” the organization notes.
He further mentions that the number of retail outlets has been declining in recent years and that „a poorly executed deposit-refund system could exacerbate and expedite this trend.” Furthermore, according to the Polish Chamber of Commerce, a complete deposit-refund system necessitates hiring extra staff or acquiring a machine for the store, which comes at a cost of approximately PLN 40,000.
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Charge for shops
One of the concerns raised by the organization is the handling fee. This fee serves as compensation for stores that collect packaging, which is paid by system operators. The Polish Chamber of Commerce asserts that the proposed rates of PLN 0.10–0.12 per PET bottle collected automatically and PLN 0.03–0.10 for manually collected PET bottles are significantly lower than the actual costs of collection. Retail chains argue that minimum collection expenses should range from PLN 0.17–0.19.
„Consequently, retail stores may suffer monthly losses of PLN 2,000-2,500 and annual losses of PLN 24,000-30,000 for a medium-sized establishment,” the report states.
This has prompted a request to the government to set a minimum amount for the handling fee and to provide interpretations that would allow shops to decline contracts if the operator fails to ensure—contrary to the Act—that collection costs are covered.
„We advocate for eco-friendly solutions, but not at the detriment of retailers,” Maciej Ptaszyński, president of the Polish Chamber of Commerce, is quoted as saying in the press release. „Trade does not oppose the deposit-refund system, but it demands a fair and lawful resolution model. The Ministry of Climate and Environment’s (MKiŚ’s – ed.) lack of action towards the retail sector, its disregard for requests, and absence of dialogue jeopardize the stability and competitiveness of SMEs and local businesses,” he adds.
Potential for fraud
In addition to the modifications in handling fees, the organization emphasizes the absence of subsidies for stores purchasing return vending machines (known as recyclers), the lack of minimum service standards (the act does not clarify, for instance, the frequency of collecting bags containing packaging), and insufficient oversight regarding deposit settlements.
„A central mechanism for monitoring payments and deadlines for deposit returns between operators and stores has not been established, which creates a risk of payment delays and backlogs,” explains the Polish Chamber of Commerce.
The organization also points out the potential for fraudulent activities—such as counterfeit bottles, multiple returns of the same packaging, and the risk of funds being drained from the system—which could lead to significant losses for small retailers and operators.
According to the organization, there is also a lack of „any public information and awareness initiatives regarding the launch and principles of the deposit-refund system, which may lead to confusion and frustration among consumers, as well as cluttering retail spaces with packaging not designed for the system.”
The Polish Chamber of Commerce represents about 30,000 stores operated by micro, small, and medium-sized entrepreneurs.
Deposit system in Poland
On October 1st, a deposit-refund system will be implemented in Poland. Large stores exceeding 200 square meters will be required to collect empty packaging and return deposits to customers. Smaller shops, on the other hand, will charge a deposit, but their involvement in the collection system will be optional. As a result, the deposit-refund system will also encompass drugstores, pharmacies, sports shops, and other establishments selling beverages in deposit-refundable containers.
The system will cover three categories of packaging: plastic bottles up to 3 liters, metal cans up to 1 liter, and starting January 1, 2026, reusable glass bottles up to 1.5 liters.
The deposit for plastic bottles and metal cans will be set at 50 groszy each; for reusable glass bottles, it will be 1 PLN.
What do we give away in the deposit systemŹródło
