The programme is designed to cut household waste and boost recycling rates.
Under the new rules, stores larger than 200 square metres in area must accept empty packaging, while smaller retail outlets are required to collect deposits but may opt out of handling returns.
The system covers three types of containers: plastic bottles of up to 3 litres, metal cans up to 1 litre, and, starting in January 2026, reusable glass bottles up to 1.5 liters.
The deposit is set at PLN 0.50 (EUR 0.12) for plastic bottles and cans, and PLN 1 (EUR 0.23) for reusable glass bottles.
Containers can be returned at machines in or outside shops, or handed in directly at the counter.
No receipt is required, but bottles and cans must be empty, intact and carry a legible barcode.
Deposits left unclaimed will be used to fund the system.
(gs)
Source: IAR, PAP, polskieradio24.pl