Starting from October 1, 2025, Poland will implement a nationwide deposit-return system for beverage packaging. This aims to increase recycling rates, reduce waste, and meet EU circular economy requirements.
What is a Deposit-Return System and why are we introducing it?
A deposit-return system is a mechanism where an additional amount (deposit) is added to the price of a beverage in certain packaging, refunded to the consumer upon returning the empty container. Its objectives are:
- Increasing recycling – recovering over 90% of packaging
- Meeting EU requirements – selective collection targets of 77% from 2025 and 90% from 2029
The law was signed by the President in December 2024, but implementation was postponed from January 1 to October 1, 2025, to allow infrastructure preparation and packaging labeling.
What is the Deposit-Return System and how does it work?
This mechanism includes:
- A deposit charged at checkout for beverages in PET plastic bottles (up to 3L), metal cans (up to 1L), or reusable glass bottles (up to 1.5L): 0.50 PLN for PET and cans, 1 PLN for glass bottles.
- Packaging labeled with the system’s logo and deposit value is eligible for return; returns without this marking are not accepted.
- Returning the empty container at any collection point results in immediate deposit refund without needing a receipt.
Collection points include:
- Shops over 200 m² – required to accept all covered packaging.
- Shops under 200 m² – must charge deposits but can voluntarily accept returns (particularly glass bottles).
- Non-store points – at least one stationary collection point per municipality.
Deposit flow
The deposit follows the packaging through the entire chain: from producer/importer, through wholesalers and retailers, to consumers, then returns to the operator/distributor upon packaging return.
- Stores and collection points refund consumers, then settle with the system operator.
- Deposits from non-returned packaging finance the system (collection, transport, logistics).
Key principles
- Deposits added only at checkout – not on shelf prices, ensuring transparency.
- Returns accepted without receipts, provided packaging is labeled and undamaged.
- Mandatory packaging labeling – clearly indicating system membership and deposit value.
- Compulsory collection points – all stores selling covered beverages must collect deposits; large stores must accept returns; each municipality must have at least one collection point.
Why implement this?
- Encourage consumers to return packaging for reuse or recycling.
- Achieve EU selective collection goals: 77% in 2025, 90% by 2029.
- Finance the system through non-returned deposits, operator fees, and recycled material sales.
Packaging covered by the system and deposit amounts
| Type of packaging | Volume | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| PET (plastic bottles) | up to 3L | 0.50 PLN |
| Metal cans | up to 1L | 0.50 PLN |
| Reusable glass bottles | up to 1.5L | 1.00 PLN |
Who are deposit system operators?
Operators are independent entities authorized by the Minister of Climate and Environment to organize and manage the deposit system. They create infrastructure, collect and transport packaging, and manage financial settlements.
Several operators exist, but consumers can return packaging at any collection point regardless of the operator.
List of operators and authorization dates
Authorized entities:
- Zwrotka S.A. – March 18, 2024
- PolKa S.A. (Not For Profit) – June 10, 2024
- OK Operator Kaucyjny S.A. – July 17, 2024
- Eko-Operator S.A. – August 28, 2024
- Reselect S.A. – October 23, 2024
- Kaucja S.A. and Polski System Kaucyjny S.A. – both on June 6, 2025
This totals six institutions operating concurrently, ensuring diversity and competition.
Why multiple operators?
Poland’s system differs from single-operator models used elsewhere. Multi-operator systems provide:
- Greater choice for producers/importers.
- Better infrastructure coverage.
- Competition – operators are non-profit and regulated by law.
The Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) confirmed this model doesn’t threaten healthy market competition.
Roles of operators
Operators manage:
- Logistics – installing reverse vending machines, managing collection points.
- Packaging transport – collection and transfer to processors.
- Financial settlements – managing deposits between stores, producers, and operators.
- Achieving selective collection goals – 77% in 2025, 90% from 2029.
Benefits for system participants
- Consumers: intuitive system, returns accepted at any participating point without receipts.
- Producers/importers: clear recovery goal framework without self-managed logistics.
- Market: environmentally beneficial regular collection, flexibility, and operator competition.
Packaging labeling – key guidelines
Only packaging clearly marked with the system logo and deposit value will be accepted for returns. Labels must be:
- Clear, visible, durable.
- Contrasting with background.
- Near EAN code, on label.
Technical regulations – What does the law require?
- Logo and deposit value required on every packaging with EAN code; min. 2mm font height, resistant to external factors.
- Clear contrast with background; adhesive labels allowed when direct print isn’t possible.
- Label mass should not exceed 5% of total packaging weight.
- Products introduced during transition (until December 31, 2025) may be sold without labels, but only until stock depletion.
- Unlabeled packaging must be segregated as plastic/paper, not returned.
Solution for producers – Sleeve labels
B-G offers advanced shrink-sleeve labels complying with legislative requirements:
- Perfect fit for bottles/cans, durable, aesthetically placing system logo and deposit value.
- Safe for food, compliant with beverage production standards (low-migration printing technology).
- Comprehensive sleeve co-packing service – automated, precise, durable.
Why choose Shrink-Sleeve Labels?
- Exact logo and deposit coverage, maintaining full contrast.
- Ideal for previously printed packaging, enabling certified labeling without entire production changes.
- Durability meeting technical resistance standards.
Practical tips for producers
- Use shrink-sleeve labels with system logo and deposit amount.
- Ensure min. 2mm font height and contrasting background.
- Avoid covering EAN, composition, allergens, volume info.
- Utilize B-G co-packing to implement deposit labeling seamlessly.
Costs and challenges
- Store adaptations (reverse vending machines, organization) up to 100,000 PLN per outlet.
- Estimated 10-year system cost: up to 37 billion PLN.
- Complexity and operator differences concern businesses.
- Technical challenges include store space, checkout integration, system interoperability.
Benefits and prospects
- Increased packaging recovery: 90–97% in other countries.
- Environmental benefits: reduced CO₂ emissions, resource conservation.
- Social: consumer convenience, higher ecological awareness.
- 73% of Poles support the deposit system.
FAQ
Do I need a receipt to reclaim deposits?
No – just labeled packaging with barcode.
What about packaging bought before 1.10.2025?
Can be sold until depletion, not eligible for return.
Do I need a reverse vending machine in-store?
Large stores – yes. Smaller stores – returns manually or via operator.
What packaging is covered?
PET up to 3L, cans up to 1L, reusable glass bottles up to 1.5L.
How is VAT accounted for non-returned packaging?
Operators handle VAT, producers record tax, annual reconciliation.
👉 Learn more and inquire at: www.b-g.pl
Don’t wait – prepare your packaging for the deposit-return system today.