Polish bottle deposit scheme hit by voucher fraud problems

Poland’s new deposit‑return system for beverage containers is facing reports that paper vouchers issued by reverse‑vending machines are being flagged as already used, leaving customers unable to collect their refunds. One case involved a resident of Siemianowice Śląskie who received a voucher after returning bottles, only to be told the code had been redeemed elsewhere, a location he had never visited. Similar complaints have appeared online, prompting concerns about the security of the barcode and voucher system. Cyber‑security experts note that such codes can be vulnerable to skimming or technical glitches, though no organized fraud has been proven.

The scheme covers PET bottles up to 3 litres, metal cans up to 1 litre and reusable glass bottles up to 1.5 litres, with deposits of 0.50 PLN for PET and cans and 1.00 PLN for glass. Containers must bear the deposit label and be returned empty and undamaged. As of now, about 57 000 collection points, including roughly 12 500 equipped with reverse‑vending machines, operate across the country, aiming to boost recycling and meet EU waste‑reduction targets.