Biznes Fakty
The deposit system and the revolution in stores, pharmacies, and drugstores. The Deputy Minister of Climate speaks out.
Deputy Minister of Climate Anita Sowińska confirmed that pharmacies are not obligated to gather bottles under the deposit system, which is set to commence on October 1, 2025. „This responsibility can be fulfilled by setting up a collection machine for empty containers, for instance, in a shopping center parking area,” she mentioned. Questions also linger regarding the involvement of sports shops and pharmacies that sell beverages in the deposit scheme, as well as the process of refunding deposits.
In a little over a month, on October 1st, a deposit-refund system will be implemented in Poland. Larger stores, those exceeding 200 square meters in size, will be mandated to collect empty packaging and refund a deposit to customers. Conversely, smaller shops will charge a deposit, but their participation in the collection system will be optional.
The deposit-refund system will not only be applicable to grocery stores but also to pharmacies, drugstores, sports shops, and other retailers that sell beverages in deposit-returnable packaging. The Supreme Pharmaceutical Council opposed the inclusion of pharmacies in the deposit-refund system back in August. The retail sector has recently highlighted that even shops selling consumer electronics and home appliances provide beverages.
The deposit system and pharmacies
During a press briefing on Thursday, Sowińska emphasized that pharmacies – like all other retail stores – will need to collect a deposit when selling beverages in deposit-covered packaging, but they will only be mandated to accept empty containers if their retail space exceeds 200 square meters.
„We’re discussing commercial space, meaning no facilities, laboratories, etc. Naturally, there are not many such pharmacies in Poland, and they are typically found in shopping centers. Therefore, this requirement can be satisfied by signing a contract and placing a collection machine for such empty containers, perhaps in the mall’s parking lot. This is feasible, which is why no pharmacy will be taking in empty bottles,” remarked the Deputy Minister of Climate.
She added that it is crucial for the deposit system to be robust, which is why the legislation does not grant exceptions to anyone, including pharmacies.
A major chain is opting out of selling certain beverages
When questioned about whether the upcoming amendment to the Auction System Act would exempt pharmacies from the requirement to participate in the deposit system, she responded that discussions during consultations included the potential exclusion of so-called non-food stores, and she did not dismiss the possibility of revisiting this matter in the future.
„While preparing this bill last year, there was a suggestion during consultations to completely exclude non-food stores, including large sports retailers, for instance. Unfortunately, these proposals did not have a clear, effective definition (…) so that state agencies, like the Voivodeship Inspectorate for Environmental Protection, could also verify them. We need to create a system that can be trusted. However, if it turns out that a definition exists and is applicable, we may reconsider it in the future,” she stated.
A few days ago, it was reported that Rossmann would cease selling a significant portion of beverages starting in October. „Since Rossmann is a drugstore, the products included in the deposit-refund system represent a minor segment of our product lineup. We don’t intend to sell them after the new regulations take effect because we cannot implement the deposit-refund system,” Agata Nowakowska, spokesperson for the chain, explained to tvn24.pl.
Read also: A major chain is opting out of selling a large portion of its beverages >>>
„We conserve the planet’s resources”
Deputy Minister of Climate Anita Sowińska asserted that the establishment of a deposit-refund system is essential. She noted that comparable systems are already in place for 180 million Europeans. She highlighted that it has shown effectiveness in all EU nations that have already adopted it.
According to the deputy head of the Ministry of Culture and Environment, this system promotes the circular economy. „With this system, we will consume fewer primary raw materials, leading to the conservation of our planet’s resources and reduced CO2 emissions. Additionally, (…) there will be less litter in forests and parks,” she remarked.
She further mentioned that the deposit-refund system would demonstrate to the public that the raw materials used for packaging hold value and are worth recovering. She stressed that selectively collected raw materials are of very high quality and can be confidently utilized to manufacture new packaging, including that for food.
Sowińska also pointed out that seven operators will function within the deposit system, with five of them beginning operations on October 1st. She indicated that PolKa, the Deposit System Operator, will commence operations on October 23rd, while Eko-Operator has opted to delay its start until August 1, 2026.
The deposit for plastic bottles and cans will be 50 groszy aleks333/Shutterstock
