A new requirement in stores. If you don't accept it, you'll lose money.
- The deposit system covers cans and glass and plastic bottles marked with a special symbol, its aim is to reduce the amount of waste
- Failure to return packaging is not currently penalized, but means loss of deposit and less support for recycling
- If the system does not gain popularity, the government may increase the deposit amount to PLN 2 in the future and also consider sanctions for failure to return packaging.
According to the Infor portal, the deposit system covers only certain types of packaging:
- aluminum cans up to 1 liter,
- plastic bottles up to 3 liters,
- glass bottles up to 1.5 liters.
The deposit for these is PLN 0.50 or PLN 1, respectively. The new rules apply only to products introduced to the market after October 1, 2025, and a special label is required to be included in the system. Beverages in old packaging will remain in circulation for several months and are non-refundable.
It's worth remembering that the deposit doesn't apply to all beverages ; statutory exemptions include large bottles of still water and some craft beer cans. Therefore, the simplest rule is to check the symbol on the label. If it's present, the packaging should be returned; if not, it can be disposed of in the appropriate container.
It's important to remember that the price displayed on the shelf does not include the deposit; it's only added at checkout . For example, if a six-pack of water bottles costs 12 PLN, you'll pay 15 PLN at the checkout, and you'll get the difference back by returning the empty bottles to the store or vending machine.
As of October 2025, there will be no penalties for disposing of deposit-refundable packaging into standard waste bins. Bottles and cans will still be processed at municipal recycling points.
However, refusing to submit them to the system means losing money. It's only a few dozen cents per item, but it generates significant amounts of money monthly.
Any deposit money not collected by consumers will go to the funds of the deposit system operators . In Poland, this function is performed by joint-stock companies established by the largest retail chains and beverage producers.
The deposit-refund system aims to recover up to 90% of raw materials. If too many people choose not to use it, future penalties similar to those for improper waste sorting may be introduced.
Moreover, the regulations allow the government to increase the deposit to up to PLN 2 per package, without the need for a vote in the Sejm .
The Ministry of Climate informs that despite a slow start, the system is already operational - in November 2025, approximately 100,000 deposit-refundable packages were in circulation, and over 45,000 stores accept their returns.
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