Highlights 

• Since October 2025, a universal deposit-refund system has been in operation in Poland, under which around 530 million items of packaging have been put into circulation and nearly 28 million have been collected (estimates as of January 2026). 
• All shops larger than 200 m² and smaller shops that have joined the deposit system are required to accept labelled packaging, regardless of whether they sell products from that brand. 
• Packaging can be collected automatically or manually. 
• In parallel to the general deposit system, there are systems for collecting returnable glass bottles, which, after the amendment of the regulations, will be able to operate until the end of 2028. 
• The most significant change introduced by the amendment is the ability to return glass bottles without a receipt. 

The universal deposit system has been in operation in Poland since October 2025, and we are already seeing its first results. Around 530 million containers have entered the system, of which nearly 28 million have already been returned by consumers. This difference is natural and results from the specific nature of goods trade – from the moment the packaging is introduced to the market, through sale and consumption, to its return, it may take up to several months. The most important thing is that the system is operating as planned and is growing rapidly, particularly since the start of this year

– said Deputy Minister of Climate and Environment Anita Sowińska. 

Universal deposit system 

The universal deposit system was designed to be receiptless and not tie the consumer to a specific store: any properly marked packaging can be returned to any collection point, and the customer has the right to a refund of the deposit in cash.  

Shops with an area exceeding 200 m² and smaller establishments that voluntarily join the system are required to accept all packaging with the deposit mark – regardless of brand, beverage type, or whether the product is offered. Returns can be made in person or via the self-service machine. If the machine is out of order, full or refuses to accept a correctly labelled container, the shop must process the deposit manually, e.g. at the cash register. The machine may issue a voucher, but the customer is entitled to exchange it for the equivalent cash amount. The deposit is always refunded in the amount stated on the label. 

Return of a glass bottle without a receipt 

In February 2026, the President signed an amendment to the Act which allows beverage producers – including breweries – to operate their own glass bottle collection systems until the end of 2028. These system may operate in parallel with the nationwide deposit system, whilst retaining their existing operating principles. 

The most significant change introduced by the amendment is the removal of the requirement to present a receipt when returning bottles. This makes it easier to return packaging and increases the chances of it being reused. 

By the end of March 2026, drinks manufacturers must notify the Minister for Climate of their intention to retain their current systems. 

Creativity in circulation. Students will design a spot for the "Zwrotomocni" campaign 

Alongside the introduction of the deposit system, we are carrying out a wide-ranging educational campaign. After our media information campaign launched last year, we are entering its next stage, in which we want to engage young people even more strongly. That's why we invite secondary school students to participate in a competition to create a spot script for the "Zwrotomocni" campaign. We are also planning activities aimed at the youngest children – we will soon be introducing educational materials for primary schools and nurseries

- Deputy Minister Anita Sowińska said. 

The Ministry of Climate and Environment runs a wide-ranging educational campaign promoting recycling and highlighting the fact that packaging is a valuable raw material. One such initiative is a competition in which students will prepare their own concept for a spot promoting the deposit-refund system. Before teams begin work, they will participate in an online workshop led by advertising, film, and deposit system experts to help them create professional projects. The winning concept will be produced as a full-scale advert and will form part of the nationwide social campaign ‘Zwrotomocni’. 

The competition is open to secondary school students. Entries for the workshop will be accepted until 12 April 2026. Competition entries must be submitted by 19 May 2026. Find out more about the competition.