Polish Deposit System: What Businesses And Consumers Need To Know

A deposit system is a scheme in which consumers pay a small refundable fee when purchasing certain beverage packaging, which they can reclaim by returning the empty containers for recycling.

A New System in Poland

Although the system in Poland officially started operating at the beginning of October 2025, it still raises a number of questions. While the concept of a deposit system is not new within the EU, it is the practical aspect of its implementation that raises the most questions. As we have now entered the transitional period, new questions continue to emerge, both from businesses and consumers. From January, the system will run at full capacity, and only beverages sold in packaging marked with the official deposit symbol will be allowed on the market.