Poland’s new deposit return system for beverage packaging will come into force on 1 October 2025, the country’s Ministry of Climate and Environment has confirmed. 

The ministry is finalising amendments to the 2023 legislation to clarify rules on authorisations, labelling and industry concerns such as dairy packaging exemptions and harmonised markings.

The system aims to boost recycling and reuse of packaging. It will cover PET bottles up to 3 litres, metal cans up to 1 litre and reusable glass bottles up to 1.5 litres. 

Deposits will amount to 50 groszy for PET bottles and cans and 1 złoty for glass bottles, added to the purchase price at checkout.

All shops selling beverages in packaging covered by the scheme will charge a deposit, regardless of size or business type. 

Large shops over 200 m² will be required to accept returns, while smaller outlets can participate voluntarily. Customers will be able to return packaging without a receipt, as long as it carries the official deposit-refund logo.

Collection points may also be set up outside stores, but packaging must not be crushed before return.

Officials say the scheme is designed to increase packaging recovery rates and reduce environmental impact across the country.