# Poland deposit return system implementation > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/poland-deposit-return-system-implementation > Updated: 2026-09-11T14:10:00.000Z. Sources: 74. Developments: 4. Poland is implementing a new deposit return system for packaging, though the rollout has faced varying levels of adoption and logistical challenges. Initially, reports indicated that some companies and state institutions were bypassing the system by paying product fees instead of managing the logistics of returns. The Ministry of Climate and Environment characterized this as a ‘soft start’ to the reform. Under current legislation, producers can opt out of the deposit system by paying a fee of 1 PLN per kilogram of packaging, or a triple rate of 3 PLN per kilogram for those opting out entirely. Following these implementation hurdles, major retail chains began independently extending the validity of deposit system vouchers to offer consumers more flexibility. While the standard minimum validity was 30 days, retailers like Netto and Stokrotka increased this to 90 days, Kaufland to 100 days, and Dino began offering coupons without expiration dates. The Ministry of Climate and Environment has since announced plans to standardize and extend voucher validity nationwide, intending to increase the period to at least three months through legislative changes. Retailers continue to lead these adjustments; Carrefour has introduced 60-day vouchers, and Lidl Polska announced that starting in October, its voucher validity will increase to 100 days. To further improve convenience, modernized deposit machines are being utilized to allow customers to receive deposits via BLIK or direct card transfers, reducing the reliance on physical vouchers. The Ministry noted that most existing machines are already equipped to handle glass and do not require costly replacements. ## Claims - The Ministry of Climate and Environment plans to extend the validity of deposit vouchers to at least three months. (single source) - Lidl plans to increase the validity of deposit vouchers from 30 days to 100 days starting in October. (single source) - Lidl customers have returned over 990 million deposit-marked containers. (single source) - Carrefour has introduced vouchers valid for 60 days. (single source) - The deposit system has been operating in Poland since October 2025. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-11: Poland plans to extend deposit system voucher validity Poland's Ministry of Climate and Environment plans to extend deposit voucher validity to at least three months, while retailers like Lidl are increasing their voucher periods to 100 days. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-plans-to-extend-deposit-system-voucher-validity ### 2026-09-03: Lidl Polska extends deposit voucher validity to 100 days Lidl Polska is extending the validity of deposit vouchers from 30 to 100 days starting in October to improve customer convenience amid high recycling volumes. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lidl-polska-extends-deposit-voucher-validity-to-100-days ### 2026-09-01: Polish retailers extend deposit system voucher validity Polish retailers like Netto, Stokrotka, and Kaufland are extending the validity of deposit system vouchers to 90 days or more, preempting planned government standardization of the recycling system. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/polish-retailers-extend-deposit-system-voucher-validity ### 2026-08-19: Poland: Companies bypass new deposit return system via product fees Polish companies and state institutions are bypassing the new deposit return system by paying product fees, as the costs of full participation often exceed the penalties for opting out. 66 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/online-casino-payment-speeds-drive-user-loyalty --- Cite as: Poland deposit return system implementation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/poland-deposit-return-system-implementation