Poland to Expand Deposit Return Scheme for Small Glass Containers

The Polish government has decided to broaden its deposit‑return system to include small single‑use glass containers, known as “małpki.” Minister of Climate Paulina Hennig‑Kloska said the change is a matter of “when, not if,” and the amendment will be submitted to the Sejm for approval.

Milk cartons are unlikely to be added because of identified sanitary concerns, which have also been reported in Romania and other countries. Currently, Poles have returned about 1 billion PET cans and bottles in four months, with roughly 80 % of returns made through reverse‑vending machines and 50 000 collection points nationwide. An analysis after the summer will start, and a comprehensive report on the scheme’s ecological and economic impact is expected after its first year in operation.