In brief
- From 1 October 2025, Poland’s nationwide deposit‑refund system (DRS) applies to most beverage packs (PET ≤3 L, metal cans ≤1 L, reusable glass ≤1.5 L).
- Standard deposits: PLN 0.50 (PET and cans) and PLN 1.00 (reusable glass). Refund without receipt at any return point.
- Retailers ≥200 m² must operate return points; smaller outlets may join voluntarily.
- Producers/importers must join a system operator, label packs with the deposit mark and meet rising collection targets aligned with EU rules.
- Start now: contracts with operators, POS/IT updates, logistics and staff training.
Deposit-refund system in Poland 2025
Answer box: Poland’s deposit‑refund system (DRS) launched on 1 October 2025. It covers single‑use plastic bottles up to 3 L, metal cans up to 1 L, and reusable glass bottles up to 1.5 L. Deposits are PLN 0.50 (PET/cans) and PLN 1.00 (reusable glass). Consumers receive cash refunds without a receipt at designated return points, which are mandatory in shops ≥200 m² and optional for smaller stores.
Legal basis & start date (legal requirements and deadlines). The DRS was introduced by the Act of 13 July 2023 amending the Act of 13 June 2013 on packaging and packaging waste management. The system entered into force for consumers on 1 October 2025 following implementation in 2024–2025 by producers, importers and retailers.
How the deposit fee works. The deposit is added at sale and refunded when an intact, correctly labelled container is returned to a collection point (manual return or via a reverse‑vending machine). No receipt is required, and returns can be made at any participating point, not only where purchased.
Packaging types included
Rules for plastic bottles and aluminum cans. Covered: beverage PET bottles ≤3 L and metal cans ≤1 L (e.g., water, soft drinks, beer and low‑alcohol mixes). Packaging must carry the uniform deposit symbol and deposit amount on the label.
Glass bottles (single‑use vs. reusable). The national DRS currently includes reusable glass bottles ≤1.5 L with a PLN 1.00 deposit. Reusable glass typically circulates through return‑for‑refill loops agreed with producers and retailers; the DRS standardizes identification, acceptance and settlement.
Exemptions and edge cases. The scheme applies to beverage packaging. Certain categories (e.g., milk and some dairy drinks) may be excluded from the initial scope for hygiene and safety reasons. Always confirm coverage with your operator for niche SKUs (functional drinks, syrups, alcohol >5% ABV, multipacks with mixed formats).
Key requirements for businesses (Polish DRS compliance)
Scope. Obligations cover:
- Producers/importers placing covered beverages on the Polish market; and
- Retailers/wholesalers offering those beverages to consumers.
Extended producer responsibility. DRS sits within Poland’s broader EPR framework. Producers remain responsible for financing and organizing separate collection and recycling via approved system operators.
Registration & reporting. Ensure you are registered in the relevant national databases (e.g., BDO) and that your contracts and reporting lines with the chosen DRS operator are in place. Expect periodic data submissions on volumes placed on market, returns, and balances.
Responsibilities of producers
Join or create a system operator. Most companies will join one of the licensed operators (which run clearing, logistics and payments). Large groups may consider setting up a dedicated operator if they meet statutory conditions (national coverage, universal access, clearing capacity).
Targets, documentation and audits. Producers must meet annual separate‑collection targets for covered packaging, rising towards 90% by 2029 under EU‑aligned milestones. Keep verifiable documentation for audits and reconcile with operator statements.
Fees, deposits and clearing (deposit fees and refunds Poland). Operators settle:
- Consumer refunds paid out by return points;
- Unclaimed deposits, which finance system operation;
- Handling fees for retailers and logistics partners.
Producers will be charged operational fees (per‑unit or per‑kg) under their operator contract—budget these alongside labeling changes, IT and logistics costs.
Obligations for retailers
Return points for packaging (≥200 m²). Stores ≥200 m² must accept returns of correctly labelled deposit packaging and refund deposits in cash (or other allowed tender). Smaller outlets may join voluntarily, often via manual collection.
In‑store acceptance, signage and consumer communication. Retailers must:
- Display clear signage that deposits are charged/refunded;
- Accept intact, labelled containers (do not crush at home);
- Issue the refund immediately and provide receipts/records as required by the operator.
Small shops vs. large formats. Micro and small stores that sell reusable glass may already handle bottle deposits outside the national DRS via supplier agreements; the DRS complements (and will increasingly standardize) these practices. Evaluate whether to install a compact reverse‑vending machine (RVM) or use a manual counter model based on footfall and SKU mix.
Technology and logistics for DRS
Reverse‑vending machines vs. manual collection. RVMs speed throughput and fraud controls (barcode validation, compaction, real‑time counters). Manual points suit low‑to‑medium volume and can be paired with scheduled pick‑ups.
IT and settlement flows. Your POS/ERP should:
- Add the deposit as a separate line at sale (visible on receipt/invoice);
- Record refund payouts and tie them to operator settlement files;
- Support Z‑reports/JPK exports as specified by your tax/DRS advisors.
Data retention, receipts and consumer refunds. Keep electronic archives of sales/refund transactions, RVM journals and operator remittance advice. Match refunds paid with reimbursements received to manage cash flow and detect anomalies.
DRS implementation guide (step‑by‑step)
- Gap assessment (month 0–1). Map SKUs, formats and volumes against DRS scope. Decide on operator, return model (RVM/manual) and affected sites.
- Contracting (month 1–2). Sign with the operator, recycler and logistics partners. Amend supplier agreements and trade terms to reflect deposit handling.
- Labeling & packaging (month 1–4). Update artwork to include the uniform deposit symbol and amount; phase out old stock responsibly.
- Systems & fiscalization (month 2–4). Configure POS/ERP, cash desks and accounting. Test deposit line items, refunds, and settlement exports.
- Store readiness (month 3–5). Install RVMs or set up manual return points; define back‑room storage, safety and pest‑control procedures.
- Processes & training (month 4–5). SOPs for acceptance criteria, counterfeit detection, cash handling, and customer service.
- Go‑live & monitoring (month 6+). Track return rates, shrinkage, and operator SLAs. Iterate placement, signage and staff rosters.
Penalties for non‑compliance
Failure to join an operator, label correctly, meet collection targets or operate a required return point may trigger: (i) administrative fines under the packaging legislation, (ii) the product fee for missed targets, and (iii) inspections by competent authorities. Contractual penalties may also apply within operator agreements.
Benefits of the deposit‑return system
- Environmental impact. Higher capture rates (>80–90% in mature DRS markets) reduce litter and boost high‑quality recyclate.
- Brand and customer experience. Clear, receipt‑free refunds and modern RVMs can increase store traffic and loyalty.
- Operational efficiencies. Standard barcodes and operator clearing reduce manual reconciliation and shrink fraud risk.
Prepare your business for DRS — action checklist
Producers/importers
- Choose and contract an operator; align targets and data templates.
- Update labels with the deposit symbol and amount.
- Budget per‑unit operator fees and cash‑flow for unclaimed deposits.
- Align BDO/ERP data capture with operator reporting.
Retailers
- Decide on RVM vs. manual collection and size the back‑room area.
- Configure POS for deposit lines and refunds; test fiscal reports.
- Train staff on acceptance criteria, signage and customer flows.
- Communicate “no receipt needed, intact & labelled only.”
Finance/IT/Legal
- Add deposit GL accounts and settlement matching routines.
- Update privacy & retention rules for RVM images/logs if used.
- Review contracts (suppliers, logistics, operator) and insurance.
DRS Poland — FAQ
What types of packaging are covered? PET bottles ≤3 L, metal cans ≤1 L, and reusable glass ≤1.5 L with the DRS symbol.
How will the deposit be displayed and refunded? As a separate line at sale; refunded in cash at any return point once the intact, labelled container is presented.
What must retailers do? Shops ≥200 m² must accept returns and refund deposits; smaller shops can opt in.
Are receipts required? No. Returns are receipt‑free.
How are cross‑border e‑commerce sales treated? If you place covered beverages on the Polish market (including distance sales to Polish consumers), you must comply and may need an authorized representative/operator arrangement—seek tailored advice.
You can find more information here:
https://www.gov.pl/web/climate/deposit-refund-system-in-poland