On 1 October 2025, the long-awaited deposit system will come into force in Poland, which will cover drinks in glass bottles, plastic bottles and cans.

The new legislation aims to reduce waste, improve recycling and promote a more sustainable approach to packaging consumption. What changes will the introduction of a deposit system bring and what are the advantages for the environment and consumers?

What is a bail system?

The deposit system is based on the fact that an extra charge is added when we buy a drink in a can or plastic bottle. After drinking the beverage, we can return the packaging to a special point or machine and recover part of the amount paid. This solution has been implemented in many countries in Europe and around the world with the aim of increasing recycling, reducing waste and promoting the reuse of packaging.

How will it work in Poland?

On 1 October 2025, the deposit system will be launched in Poland, covering drinks in glass bottles, plastic bottles and cans. This means that all drinks in this type of packaging that will be sold on the market will be subject to the deposit return system.

Prior to 2025, there was no uniform deposit system in Poland covering single-use beverage packaging, such as PET plastic bottles or aluminium cans. There were mainly local initiatives and a return system for reusable glass bottles, mainly in grocery shops. In the new system, the consumer, when buying a beverage in a bottle or can, will pay an additional fee - the so-called deposit, which will amount to 50 groszy or 1 zloty (the amount may vary depending on the volume of the package). After drinking the beverage, the consumer will be able to return the packaging to special collection points (e.g. in shops, bottle return machines or other partner points) and will then be refunded part of the fee - the deposit.

What packaging will be covered by the deposit system?

The deposit system will cover the following packages:

• Glass bottles - both disposable and reusable.
• Plastic bottles - except those with a very small capacity (e.g. miniatures).
• Aluminium cans - popular canned drinks will also be covered by the new system.

Bail system 2025 - what about consumers?

Above all, the new system is designed to make it easier for all of us to take care of the environment. By being able to return packaging that will be recycled, it will reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. From the customers' perspective, the deposit system is also a way of recouping some of the money spent on drinks purchased. To encourage the return of bottles and cans, collection points will be launched in Poland where it will be easy to return the packaging and receive a refund.

It is also worth mentioning that the system will be implemented gradually, which means that packaging with a deposit return stamp will appear in shops once manufacturers have run out of packaging stock.

Below are sample logos informing about the bail:

Graphic: Ministry of Climate and Environment

Important information for users is that bottles should not be crushed, have their labels or caps removed. What is more, when returning a bottle or can, we will not need a receipt to prove their purchase, but it will not be possible to receive a refund of the deposit for packaging that does not bear the logo of the deposit system.

The bail-in system is coming. Environmental benefits

The introduction of a deposit system in Poland aims to reduce the amount of waste, especially that associated with single-use packaging. This packaging - especially plastic bottles and cans - poses a serious problem for the environment, as they take a long time to decompose in nature and are expensive and time-consuming to recycle. With a deposit system, bottles and cans will be able to be reused, helping to reduce the production of new packaging and reducing the amount of waste that ends up in the environment.

What challenges does the bail system face?

Although the bail-in system has many advantages, its implementation in Poland also comes with some challenges. It was originally supposed to be introduced at the beginning of 2025. However, both local governments and entrepreneurs reported a lack of adequate preparation for the implementation of these changes. It was therefore decided to postpone the deadline to ensure a smooth and effective launch of the system.

Adequate return points will need to be provided throughout the country, which may involve large investments in infrastructure, both in cities and rural areas. It is also worth paying attention to public education so that Poles know how the system works and the benefits of packaging returns.

The entry into force of the deposit system is an important step towards more sustainable waste management in Poland. From 1 October 2025, every consumer will be able to actively contribute to environmental protection by taking advantage of the possibility to return beverage packaging. The introduction of the new system may involve some difficulties, but it also offers hope for long-term benefits for both the environment and society.