Poland: mandatory deposit-return system for plastic bottles, cans and reusable glass bottles
What changes
Since 1 October 2025, PET plastic bottles up to 3 litres and metal cans up to 1 litre carry a PLN 0.50 deposit, and reusable glass bottles up to 1.5 litres carry a PLN 1.00 deposit, under the amended Act on Packaging and Packaging Waste Management. Beverage producers and importers must join the system, and retail stores over 200 m2 selling covered beverages must accept returns and refund the deposit.
Who is affected
Producers and importers of beverages sold in covered packaging, and retail stores (mandatory above 200 m2 sales area) that sell such beverages in Poland.
Sizes: micro, small, medium, large · Sectors: Retail, Hospitality / tourism, Manufacturing · Applies if: We import goods into the EU; We sell to consumers (B2C)
What to do
Confirm your beverage packaging displays the required deposit-system marking and deposit amount. If you are a producer or importer, register and settle deposits with a licensed deposit-system representing entity (podmiot reprezentujący). If you run a store above 200 m2, install a collection point (reverse vending machine or manual return) and train staff on accepting returns and refunding deposits.
Penalty
Fines under the Act on Packaging and Packaging Waste Management for retailers refusing eligible returns or for producers/importers failing to join a deposit-system operator.
Sources
- Ministerstwo Klimatu i Środowiska – System kaucyjny (www.gov.pl)
- BDO – Baza danych o produktach i opakowaniach oraz o gospodarce odpadami (bdo.mos.gov.pl)
Last verified 8 September 2026. Informational only, not legal advice.