Stores and Retail Chains
Stores and Retail Chains
Who is covered by the obligation?
The deposit-refund system is being rolled out in stages. Even before the mandatory collection period – which begins on October 1, 2025 – producers must register in the system, obtain a permit, and label their packaging with the deposit information. This gives stores time to prepare their infrastructure and procedures.
The system applies to all retail outlets with an area of over 200 m² that sell beverages in:
• disposable plastic bottles (up to 3 liters)
• reusable glass bottles (up to 1.5 liters)
• aluminum cans (up to 1 liter)
Every store that sells beverages in bottles or cans covered by the deposit-refund system is required to accept these containers – regardless of whether they are water, juices, carbonated drinks, or alcoholic beverages.
Stores and Retail Chains
Retail outlets under 200 m² can join the system voluntarily. In some cases, these outlets
may benefit from cost compensation if the operator has provided this option.
The collection obligation applies to, among others:
grocery stores, supermarkets, and hypermarkets
gas stations
seasonal outlets (e.g., in tourist destinations)
multi-sector stores with a grocery section
food outlets offering takeaway drinks
Exemptions are provided for:
- stores under 200 m²
- outlets selling only packaged beverages not covered by the system
- vending machines (separate rules)
What are the obligations of manufacturers and importers?
Manual Collection
Works well in smaller stores – no investment in equipment is required.
Advantages:
- No installation costs for an RVM
- Easy adaptation of space, procedures, and records to various types of packaging
- Package collection can be conducted by existing staff.
Requirements:
- Designated packaging storage
- Trained staff
- Records of accepted packaging and deposits paid (e.g., integrated with the cash
register) - Basic equipment: bags, labels, documentation
Manual Collection
This solution is more often chosen by larger stores.
Advantages:
- Quick identification and sorting of packaging
- Reduced employee workload
- Precise reporting
- Improved organization and hygiene
- Possibility of integration with loyalty systems
- Option to analyze data on returned packaging (e.g., number, type, or frequency)
What must you provide as a seller?
ensure physical access to packaging during store opening hours
organize storage space for collected bottles and cans – appropriate to the scale of the business and sanitary
maintain records of accepted packaging and deposits paid – manually or in a system integrated with the cash register and the operator's platform
mark the store as a collection point – with visible information about returns, the system logo, and the deposit refund policy
be prepared for inspection by the operator or supervisory authorities
Why join PolKa?
Meeting statutory requirements: We assist in complying with the obligations imposed on retail outlets with an area exceeding 200 m², including collecting and returning deposits and collecting empty packaging and packaging waste.
A personalized approach: We analyze the needs and capabilities of each collection point, adapting the packaging collection method (manual/automatic) and selecting the appropriate machines to suit the specific nature of the business.
