The deposit system in Poland is already up and running. Here’s what you need to know about recycling bottles

A pilot program of the deposit system has been launched in Warsaw, organized by Carrefour Polska, InPost and “PolKa” in cooperation with Muszynianka Sp. z o. o. This important event had its official opening during a morning press conference, where representatives of the involved companies discussed the details of the project.

For those who were unable to attend the event, a video report is available HERE.

The deposit system is launched

The deposit system will initially cover four Carrefour hypermarkets in Warsaw: Atrium Reduta, Westfield Arkadia, Galeria Wileńska and Plac Unii, as well as two supermarkets located in towns near Warsaw – in Otwock at Matejki Street and in Żyrardów at 1 Maja Street. In the coming weeks, the project will be gradually expanded to include other Carrefour stores in Warsaw and the surrounding area. Ultimately, residents of the capital will have access to 40 deposit machines in 36 different locations.

If you are interested in preparing your company for the implementation of the deposit system, “PolKa” encourages you to start cooperation. For more information, contact: (email protected).

This initiative is a significant step towards introducing a deposit system in Poland, aimed at increasing packaging recycling and reducing waste. Cooperation between large market players such as Carrefour and InPost, and the involvement of local companies such as Muszynianka, shows that such initiatives can have a real impact on the environment and are an important step towards sustainable development.

Deposit system in Poland

The deposit system, which will enter into force in Poland on August 1, 2025, is one of the key elements of the pro-ecological strategy aimed at increasing recycling and reducing the amount of waste going to landfills. Its introduction aims to create an effective mechanism for returning packaging, which will allow for the recovery of raw materials and their reuse, which is extremely important in the context of growing problems related to environmental pollution.

The basis of the deposit system is a deposit fee added to the purchase price of products in disposable packaging, such as plastic or glass bottles or cans. By returning the empty packaging to special machines or collection points, the consumer recovers the deposit paid, which motivates people to return packaging and reduces the amount of waste thrown away. In Poland, this system will mainly cover beverage packaging, which is in line with best practices already used in many European countries.

The implementation of the deposit system in Poland is a response to EU requirements to increase the level of recycling. Experience from other countries shows that the introduction of a deposit significantly increases the return rates of packaging, which in turn leads to less waste in the environment. In countries where deposit systems have been in operation for years, the level of recovered raw materials reaches up to 90%, which is a significant contribution to environmental protection.

In Poland, this system has the potential to bring similar benefits, but its success will depend on effective cooperation between businesses, government and consumers. Educational and information campaigns will be key to prepare society for the new rules and encourage active participation in the recycling process. The introduction of a deposit system is not only a logistical challenge, but also a chance to build a more aware and responsible society that cares for the natural environment.