Biznes Fakty
The deposit-refund system in Poland will be launched on October 1, 2025. What do you need to know about it?
The deposit-refund scheme is in operation across numerous European nations, currently utilized by 180 million individuals, and is set to launch in Poland starting October 1st. This date marks the beginning of the appearance of beverages packaged under this system in stores, indicated by a clear deposit label and the specified deposit amount. What should you be aware of regarding this system? We clarify.
The deposit-refund scheme has been a topic of discussion for an extended period, with regulations for its introduction first established in 2023. Initially, it was intended to commence on January 1, 2025, but due to its vast scope, a decision was made to postpone its rollout.
The deadline of October 1, 2025, however, remains intact and is approaching quickly. While the system has been under discussion for a significant time, many questions continue to arise. Here’s what you need to know.
1. What is the deposit system?
The deposit-refund system is a process where consumers, upon purchasing items in packaging that falls under this system, pay an additional charge (deposit), which is refunded when the packaging is returned to a designated collection point.
This approach is designed to facilitate the recycling and reuse of packaging. The system will be established by companies that market packaged beverages (manufacturers, importers, brand owners) and retailers that provide products in beverage containers covered by the deposit-refund system. Businesses selling beverages in the eligible packaging will be obliged to display a label on the packaging that indicates their involvement in the system and the deposit amount.
2. How can we identify what is included in the deposit system?
From October 1st, a logo will be visible on the label, clearly indicating whether the packaging is included in the deposit system.
Labeling of packaging in the gov.pl deposit systemNo refund will be issued for unlabeled packaging. Products released before businesses joined the deposit-refund system will still be available on the market. Consequently, they will lack proper labeling. No deposit will be applicable for these items, and refunds will not be feasible.
3. What will the deposit amount be?
The deposit amounts will be as follows:
- plastic bottles up to 3 liters – deposit: PLN 0.50,
- metal cans with a capacity of up to 1 liter – deposit: PLN 0.50,
- reusable glass bottles with a capacity of up to 1.5 liters – deposit: PLN 1.00.
4. Will I need a receipt to return the packaging?
No. The deposit system is designed to operate without receipts. This means that packaging can be returned without proof of purchase and not solely to the location where it was bought.
What do we give away in the deposit system?5. Where can I return the packaging?
Large retailers with a space exceeding 200 square meters will be required to accept empty packaging and refund the deposit to customers. Smaller shops will collect a deposit, but their involvement in the collection system will be optional.
The deposit-refund system will extend beyond grocery stores to include pharmacies, drugstores, sports retailers, and other venues that sell beverages in refundable containers. Some pharmacists have expressed concern, but as Deputy Climate Minister Anita Sowińska recently noted, there is a practical workaround.
„Of course, there aren’t many such pharmacies in Poland, and they’re typically found in shopping centers. Therefore, this obligation can be fulfilled by entering into a contract and installing a machine to collect these empty containers, for instance, in the shopping mall’s parking lot. This is feasible, so no pharmacy will have to collect empty bottles,” stated the Deputy Minister of Climate.
Collection points for packaging with a deposit sign will include:
- All stores larger than 200 square meters that sell beverages in deposit-refundable packaging,
- Shops under 200 m2 that sell drinks in reusable glass bottles (currently this mainly applies to beer beverages),
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