Poland's deposit system faces 1.5 billion PLN unclaimed funds issue

Poland's deposit return system is facing a significant financial challenge as at least 1.5 billion PLN in unclaimed deposits have accumulated within the system. While millions of bottles and cans are being returned to over 65,000 collection points, many consumers are failing to reclaim their funds.

System operators have raised concerns regarding the legal ambiguity of these funds. Although the money is intended to cover the costs of collection, transport, and processing, current regulations do not specify when or under what conditions companies can access these accumulated resources to finance ongoing operations.

In response to consumer needs for convenience, Delio, an online supermarket owned by Grupa Żabka, has introduced a new service. Starting October 1, customers in four metropolitan areas can return deposit-eligible packaging directly to couriers during grocery deliveries. This service allows users to hand over up to four 60-liter bags of packaging per delivery, with the recovered deposits transferred directly to their bank accounts.