In January 2025, a deposit-refund system will be introduced in Poland, representing a significant change not only for consumers. It will also impact a wide range of entities, such as beverage producers and importers, retail and wholesale outlets, waste management companies, and new entities known as deposit-refund system operators (representing entities).
The deposit-refund system and entities introducing products
Under the Act of July 13, 2023, amending the Act on Packaging and Packaging Waste Management and certain other acts, all entities marketing beverages in single-use plastic bottles up to 3 liters, reusable glass bottles up to 1.5 liters, and cans up to 1 liter must join the deposit-refund system. They must comply with the legal obligation to selectively collect waste generated from these packaging.
They must also achieve the collection rates specified in the Act: 77% in 2025, 81%, 84%, and 87% in the following three years, and 90% in 2029 and subsequent years.
All of this will require them to adapt their production and logistics processes. They will be required to incorporate deposit and deposit system operating costs into their pricing models and adapt their packaging to the system’s requirements by displaying appropriate symbols.
Entities marketing beverage packaging products, as well as operators of deposit-refund systems, must pay for failure to achieve the designated separate collection levels. The product fee charged in such cases is determined by reference to the weight of the packaging placed on the market, the required separate collection level, the actual collection rate achieved, and the product fee rate (in PLN per kg) set by the Minister of Climate Affairs. The maximum fee is defined by law and is PLN 25 per kg.
The Deposit-Refund System and Points of Sale
Non-retail sales outlets
Hotels, restaurants, food trucks, vending machines, bars, pubs, and many other entities that sell beverages in deposit-refundable packaging and are considered retail establishments will be required to sign an agreement with the system operator, collect deposits for packaging, and inform customers about refund and refund options.
The deposit-refundable system and the deposit payer and the container collector
Deposit payers, i.e., entities that directly accept empty packaging and packaging waste and return deposits to end users, will be required to invest in appropriate infrastructure, machinery, and technology to process returns and refunds.
They are also required to register in the deposit system – including entities with an area exceeding 200 square meters, which is mandatory with any deposit system operator that applies to them. They are required to sign an agreement with the system operator(s) regarding the collection of packaging and packaging waste and the settlement of deposits. They are also required to inform consumers about the principles of the deposit system.
The Deposit Refund System and System Operators
Operators of the deposit-refund system, or “representing entities” as defined by the Act, managing a range of processes that constitute an efficiently operating deposit-refund system, will face a significant organizational and logistical task. They will be responsible for the efficient collection and transport of reusable packaging to its manufacturers and waste to processing plants, which requires the development of advanced logistics systems.
Operators will also play a key role in monitoring the system’s effectiveness, reporting results to the relevant regulatory authorities, and continuously improving processes related to the efficient collection of empty packaging and packaging waste. Through record-keeping, they will provide information on the number, capacity, and weight of collected packaging and packaging waste covered by the system, broken down by type of collector and by month.
They will also act as settlement centers, settling deposits with retailers, wholesalers, and other points collecting packaging and packaging waste covered by the deposit system, and with those selling products in such packaging, as well as financing deposit payments to consumers.
Conclusions for Business
The introduction of a deposit system in Poland is a significant step towards sustainable development and waste management. It presents many challenges for businesses, but also opportunities. Those that quickly adapt to the new requirements and join the deposit system can build a positive image in the eyes of increasingly environmentally conscious consumers. This is an opportunity to increase environmental responsibility and build lasting relationships with consumers.
