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Poland's New Deposit System Targets Single-Use Plastic Waste

Poland's new deposit system encourages recycling. Consumers can now get refunds for returning eligible containers.

This image is clicked in a room, where it looks like Store. There are so many bottles in this image...
This image is clicked in a room, where it looks like Store. There are so many bottles in this image and cans. There is a Banner in the middle which is indicating Supra brand. Bottom right corner there is a logo LM.

Poland's New Deposit System Targets Single-Use Plastic Waste

Poland has introduced a new deposit system for single-use plastic bottles, cans, and reusable glass bottles, effective from October 1st, 2025. This initiative aligns with an EU directive from 2019 aimed at reducing single-use plastic waste.

Shops with a sales area larger than 200 square meters have installed deposit machines to facilitate the return of eligible containers. The deposit rates vary: 1 Zloty (23 Cent) for reusable glass bottles up to 1.5 liters, and 50 Groschen (12 Cent) for plastic bottles up to 3 liters and metal cans up to 1 liter. Consumers can recognize deposit packaging by a rectangular logo and the word 'Kaucja' on the packaging. Notably, packaging for milk and dairy products, as well as single-use glass bottles, are exempt from this system. To ensure efficient collection, the Polish government's website advises against crushing deposit packaging before returning it.

The new deposit system in Poland is a significant step towards reducing single-use plastic waste, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable environment. Consumers are encouraged to participate by returning eligible containers and benefiting from the deposit refunds.

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