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Poland deposit return system implementation

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-04 11:32 UTC → 2026-09-12 08:43 UTC · added removed

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. For many organizations, the administrative and storage costs of participating in the full system outweighed the cost of these fees. 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. Continuing this trend of retailer-led adjustments, 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, the its voucher validity period for deposit vouchers issued by in-store machines will increase from 30 to 100 days to days. To further improve customer convenience. The retailer reported significant recycling volumes, noting that convenience, modernized deposit machines are being utilized to allow customers have returned over 1.2 billion plastic bottles and metal cans since the program’s launch, with more than 950 million of those subject to receive deposits via BLIK or direct card transfers, reducing the deposit system. reliance on physical vouchers. The Ministry noted that most existing machines are already equipped to handle glass and do not require costly replacements.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-12 08:43 UTC Poland deposit return system implementation
  2. 2026-09-04 11:32 UTC Poland deposit return system implementation
  3. 2026-09-03 12:07 UTC Poland deposit return system implementation

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