Poland expands deposit scheme to small glass bottles amid shop concerns

The Ministry of Climate and Environment (MKiŚ) announced that a decision on adding single‑use glass bottles of up to 200 ml – known locally as “małpki” – to Poland’s deposit‑return system will be taken in the second half of the year. The move aims to curb litter from the estimated three million bottles discarded daily, but small retailers warn that the required equipment and handling costs could strain their finances. MKiŚ warned that shops may have to fund machines costing up to 70 000 zlotys and that the operating fees are deficit‑covering, raising the risk of liquidity problems for low‑margin stores.

In a related clarification, the ministry said that refunds of deposits are not taxable income for individuals, stating “Zwrot kaucji nie podlega opodatkowaniu.” Tax would only apply in exceptional cases where the returned containers were not originally purchased by the claimant, such as found or third‑party bottles. The current legislation is considered sufficient, and no amendment to the packaging and waste law is planned.