As of 1 October 2025, the deposit strategy for plastic bottles, cans and glass will apply in Poland. It's a revolution in waste management that's expected to increase recycling and reduce waste. How will the fresh strategy work and how will it affect the everyday life of Poles?
Poland's second largest marketplace with a bailout strategy in the EU
In October 2025 Poland will become 17th EU country with the bail strategy implemented and second largest after Germany – informed Ms Anita Sowińska, Deputy Minister for Climate and Environment.
– We are already in the implementation phase of the bailout system. Poland will become the 17th Union country covered by the bailout scheme. We are arrogant that Poland will be the second largest country of the Union, after Germany, with the strategy implemented said Sowińska at a press conference.
How will the bail strategy work?
The fresh strategy will cover 3 types of packaging:
- PET plastic bottles (up to 3 litres),
- metal cans (up to 1 litre),
- reusable glass bottles (up to 1.5 liters).
Bail:
- 50 cents – for plastic bottles and cans,
- 1 zł – for glass bottles.
Where and how to return the packaging?
- Shops above 200 m2 will be payable to accept returns.
- Smaller stores can join voluntarily.
- No receipt required – just return the package.
- Every municipality should be in at least 1 point of returnBut the government is counting on more.
Transitional period and change of habits
It will last until the end of 2025. Transitional periodin which both the packages covered by the strategy and those before its introduction will be placed on the market.
Deputy Minister Sowińska stressed that the strategy requires changes in consumer habits:
- Do not crush plastic bottles and cans.
- No request to rip labels with a barcode.
- No washing obligation before return.
Will the strategy be expanded?
The government does not exclude that the strategy will be extended by disposable glass bottlesbut the decision would require additional consultation.
Are Poles ready for change?
According to the survey RLG and Zymetry (December 2023):
- 75% of Poles heard the bail system,
- But he doesn't know that much.How precisely will it work?
It shows that it is essential broad education before making changes.
Continued here:
Poland introduces a bail system! The second largest in the EU after Germany
