Poland's deposit return system faces mixed results after one year

Poland's deposit return system, implemented in October 2025 to meet EU recycling targets, has seen mixed results after its first year. The system covers PET plastic bottles up to 3 liters, metal cans up to 1 liter, and reusable glass bottles up to 1.5 liters. According to the Ministry of Climate and Environment, 2.3 billion deposit-covered packages were returned by the end of June, with 900 million returned in July alone.

Public opinion is divided; while nearly 90% of Poles have used the system at least once, approximately 45% of consumers favor its abolition, citing the inconvenience of storing empty containers at home. Retailers also face challenges, including the high cost of automated machines, frozen capital, and increased workloads for staff.

Regarding uncollected deposits, funds from containers thrown into traditional waste bins do not go to stores or the state budget. Instead, they are transferred to system operators, who are required to use these funds to finance logistics, IT systems, collection, transport, and recycling infrastructure development to meet EU mandates.