Poland collects 3.2 billion deposit containers as ministry moves to extend voucher validity

Rapid growth in returns and automation

Poland's deposit-return system collected 3.2 billion beverage containers between its launch and the end of July 2026, according to figures released on 20 August by the Ministry of Climate and Environment. Returns rose by 900 million units during July alone, representing the highest monthly total recorded under the program. Across the country, consumers have returned an average of 86 containers per resident since operations began on 1 October 2025. Over 60,000 collection points are currently active nationwide, with 17,500 locations equipped with reverse vending machines. Although automated machines account for 29% of all collection sites, they process 88% of all returned containers. Non-retail return locations outside shops also grew from 230 in June to nearly 600 by August, including 61 machines in public spaces across Warsaw.

Legislative overhaul for deposit vouchers

In response to consumer feedback regarding expiring return receipts, the ministry is drafting an amendment to the packaging management act to extend and standardize voucher validity. Under current practice, individual retailers and system operators set their own redemption windows, which often expire after a minimum of 30 days. Climate Minister Paulina Hennig-Kloska stated that the new statutory rules will make vouchers valid for significantly longer than 30 days. Officials stressed that consumers already retain the legal right to exchange their deposit vouchers for cash at retail checkout counters.

If a customer has received a deposit voucher and wishes to receive cash, they have every right to do so, and the store cannot refuse to pay out the money.

Analytical work determining the exact extension and standardized framework is scheduled for completion in September 2026.

Inclusion of single-use glass bottles

The upcoming legislative package will also expand the deposit system to include single-use glass bottles, addressing widespread litter from small spirits bottles commonly known in Poland as "małpki". The system currently applies to plastic bottles up to three litres and metal cans up to one litre with a 50-grosz deposit, alongside reusable glass bottles up to 1.5 litres carrying a one-zloty deposit. Ministry officials indicated that single-use glass will be phased in with an adjustment period to accommodate logistical adaptations. Summer events have also generated substantial collection activity, with large outdoor festivals yielding over 1 million returned containers.

The fact that the deposit system works does not mean it functions without flaws. With such a large logistical reform, continuous improvement is natural, and we take every incoming signal very seriously.

Verification tools and collection targets

To assist consumers and retail staff with item eligibility, the system operator launched an online EAN barcode search tool on kaucja.pl. Users can enter an 8- or 13-digit barcode to confirm whether a specific beverage container is registered in the national database. Poland is targeting a 77% collection rate in its first full year of operation, aligning with EU mandates requiring a 77% rate by 2028 and 90% from 2029. Deputy Minister Anita Sowińska noted that Ireland achieved a 79% collection rate two years after implementation, while established systems in Germany, Sweden, and Finland achieve rates between 90% and 99%. In early August 2026, opposition lawmakers from the Confederation party submitted a separate draft bill seeking to abolish the national deposit framework.