Deposit Return System in Poland: New Regulations from 2025
Published on 5th June 2025
Starting from 1 October 2025, the Deposit Return System (DRS) will begin to operate in Poland. The primary objective of this system is the selective collection of designated types of used beverage packaging to fulfil the collection targets indicated by the Single-Use Plastic (SUP) Directive, implemented into Polish law.
The system operates on the principle of financial incentives. End-users, upon purchasing beverages in packaging subject to the DRS, will pay a deposit along with the price. In accordance with the nature of a deposit, end users – mostly consumers – will be able to receive the return of an equivalent amount by returning the used packaging, encompassed by the DRS, to collection points operated by, among others, retail or wholesale trade units.
Scope of the DRS and Deposit Amount
The DRS in Poland will cover selected beverage packaging products, specifically:
- Single-use plastic beverage bottles up to 3 litres, including their plastic caps and lids (PET bottles);
- Metal cans up to 1 litre;
- Reusable glass bottles up to 1.5 litres.
The amount of the deposit is 0.50 PLN for single-use plastic bottles and metal cans, and 1 PLN for reusable glass bottles.
End-users will be able to return packaging covered by the DRS and reclaim the deposit without the necessity of presenting proof of purchase at any collection point in Poland.
Role of The Deposit Return System Operators
Representative entities (The Deposit Return System Operators) are joint-stock companies established by producers who introduce beverage products in packaging to the market. To operate the DRS, the representative entities must obtain a permit issued as an administrative decision. The Packaging Act permits multiple operators to function within the country. Their responsibilities include:
- Organizing the selective collection of packaging and packaging waste to meet the required collection levels for producers who have joined the system;
- Collecting packaging and packaging waste from retail and wholesale units, as well as other collection points;
- Organizing and managing the transport of packaging to producers introducing beverage products in packaging to the market and packaging waste to processing facilities;
- Settling deposits with retail, wholesale units and other points collecting packaging and packaging waste within the DRS.
Role of Producers of beverages in packaging covered by DRS
Starting from 2025, producers introducing beverages in packaging covered by the system are obliged, among other things, to achieve certain levels of selective collection of packaging and packaging waste (77% from 2025-2028, 90% from 2029 and subsequent years). Additionally, producers must ensure that new single-use plastic packaging contains a minimum amount of recycled material, yet the task that must be completed outside of the DRS.
Role of retail and wholesale trade units
Under DRS, retail and wholesale units will serve as collection points for the packaging covered by the system. They will also be responsible for tasks related to collecting and, in the case of larger shops, refunding deposits.
The Act outlines different obligations for these establishments based on their sales area and the types of products they offer.
New Reality from 1 October 2025
As a general rule, beverages in packaging covered by the DRS that were placed on the market before October 1, 2025, may still be sold without charging a deposit until stocks are depleted. However, such used packaging will not be returnable under the DRS.
Starting from October 1 products in packaging covered by the DRS that are placed on the market and carry DRS marking will be required to charge a deposit. These products can be returned at designated collection points participating in the DRS, in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
Retailers with a sales area exceeding 200 m² will be obliged to accept packaging with the DRS markings and return the deposit.
