Poland moves to cashless deposit refunds for bottles and cans

The Polish deposit‑return scheme will transition from printed coupons to electronic refunds. Starting in 2026, consumers who return PET bottles, metal cans or reusable glass containers at automated machines will have the deposit credited directly to a payment card or mobile app. The reform eliminates paper vouchers, which many users lose or forget to redeem, and speeds up the refund process. Operators and manufacturers are also testing new machines that can accept partially crushed containers and improve handling of damaged codes. The change aims to simplify the system, reduce unused deposits and modernise the infrastructure.