Poland's Deposit Return System Collects 1.6 Billion Containers, Prepares Glass Extension

Within six months of its launch, Poland’s nationwide deposit‑return scheme has gathered 1.6 billion plastic bottles and cans, operating through 62 000 collection points, including 13 000 automated kiosks that handle about 85 % of returns. The system is being reinforced for the summer travel season with mobile stations at coastal resorts and digital payment options.

The Ministry of Climate and Environment says the next step is to widen the regime to cover single‑use glass containers – popularly called “małpki” – and larger alcoholic‑beverage bottles. A decision on the expansion is expected after the summer, once the current infrastructure proves stable and capable of handling the higher volume of returns. The proposed amendment would bring the same 50‑grosz (or 1‑zł for reusable glass) deposit to these glass items, helping Poland meet EU recycling targets of 77 % by 2028 and 90 % by 2029.