What is the deposit return system and from when will it be in force in Poland

Deposit return system – how does it work?

The principle of the deposit return system is based on the idea that when buying a beverage in certain types of packaging, such as a plastic bottle, a glass bottle, or a metal can, a deposit fee is charged to the consumer. To get this amount back, the consumer must return the empty packaging to specially designated collection points.

This makes the collection of raw materials easier and enables their reuse and recycling. The deposit system is seen as a major opportunity to reduce the amount of litter in public spaces and to increase the availability of high-quality materials for further processing. These goals are key to building a circular economy.

Deposit return system – where did It come from?

According to a report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, by 2050 the production of plastics could exceed one billion tons per year if no action is taken to ensure responsible use and processing of waste. EU regulations, such as the Single-Use Plastics Directive, are therefore attempts to respond to the challenges we face as a continent.

Especially since by 2050, when record levels of plastic packaging production are expected, Europe aims to become climate neutral. This goal cannot be achieved without developing a circular economy, which should be possible, among other things, thanks to deposit return systems.

Deposit return system – based on which directive?

The deposit system stems directly from the provisions of the Single-Use Plastics Directive, aimed at reducing the amount of waste in the natural environment, particularly in seas and oceans. Adopted by the European Union in 2019, the directive focuses mainly on reducing the negative impact of certain single-use plastic products (as a result, plastic straws and cups were phased out). The directive also promotes the development of selective waste collection and recycling systems.

Deposit return system – when in Poland?

The original implementation date for the deposit return system in Poland was planned for January 1, 2025. However, after consultations with packaging producers and companies responsible for collection and recycling, the deadline was postponed to October 1, 2025. The main goal is to promote recycling and the reuse of packaging.

Consumers buying beverages in packaging covered by the deposit system, which will be specially labeled, will get their deposit back after returning the empty containers to designated collection points. Large stores with an area of over 200 square meters will be required to accept returns, while smaller shops will be able to join the system voluntarily.

Deposit return system – what packaging will be collected?

The system will cover single-use plastic bottles up to 3 liters, reusable glass bottles up to 1.5 liters, and metal cans up to 1 liter.

Only beverage packaging will be eligible for return, such as bottles and cans from water, soft drinks, beer, and other alcoholic beverages (with up to 5% alcohol content). Packaging from milk and dairy drinks will be excluded due to health and safety concerns.

Deposit return system in Europe

The deposit return system already operates in many European countries, where it was introduced much earlier than in Poland. It is considered one of the most effective solutions supporting selective collection and recycling of packaging materials. The system exists in Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, the Netherlands, Iceland, Lithuania, Latvia, Malta, Germany, Norway, Slovakia, Sweden, Ireland, Romania, and Hungary. In all these countries, return rates reach nearly 90–100 percent.

Although specific solutions (such as system operators or deposit amounts) sometimes differ between countries, the common feature is the drive toward a closed-loop system for beverage packaging. In most cases, packaging covered by the system must be properly labeled, and collection points must be easily accessible to every consumer.

Deposit return system – infrastructure

A well-designed infrastructure is crucial for the effectiveness of the deposit system. The key element is the return points for packaging, most often located in shops and retail outlets – natural contact points with consumers. In most facilities, automated solutions will dominate, such as machines that recognize the type of packaging, accept it, and issue a confirmation entitling the consumer to a refund.

Another important part of the infrastructure is logistics and sorting centers – their efficiency is key to ensuring that as much material as possible is sent for recycling. A crucial link in the entire system is the system operators, responsible for its organization, oversight, and cooperation with producers and recyclers.

Deposit return system – goals

The main objective of the deposit system is to increase the collection and recycling rates of beverage packaging. As examples from other European countries show, the introduction of deposit systems has significantly boosted selective collection rates and increased the amount of material available for recycling. The system’s simplicity, based on an economic incentive (the consumer pays a deposit and gets it back upon return), encourages participation in collection.

As a result, large amounts of high-quality secondary raw materials can be recovered and reused. The deposit return system supports the development of a circular economy and significantly reduces littering in public spaces, as demonstrated by the experience of other European countries.

Deposit return system – summary

The deposit system encourages consumers to return empty beverage packaging by introducing a refund mechanism – thus, packaging that was previously treated as waste becomes something consumers are motivated to return. It enables the recovery of large amounts of high-quality material suitable for recycling. In Poland, the deposit return system will start operating on October 1, 2025.