Biedronka has ambitious plans. 3,000 machines, 200 per week and the largest network of recyclers in Poland
Biedronka intends to install 3,000 recycling machines in its stores by the end of the year. This would be the largest network of this type of machines in our country.
The introduction of the deposit system imposed on all large retail chains new responsibilities. They must collect returnable packaging covered by the system, and this requires appropriate space and packaging collection machines.
The deposit system is starting in Poland! 🇵🇱
From now on, when you return plastic bottles, reusable glass bottles and aluminum cans in stores, you can get your deposit back – without having to show your receipt.
How does it work? Nothing could be simpler:
You buy a drink ➡️ you pay a deposit ➡️ you return… pic.twitter.com/wMsOtH9fSU
— Ministry of Climate and Environment (@MKiS_GOV_PL) October 5, 2025
Biedronka is also preparing for new regulations and related obligations. The network announced ambitious plans – it wants to launch by the end of the year 3,000 recycle machines, i.e. modern collection machines. The machines will be delivered by RVM Systems. Both entities signed an agreement that is similar in terms of the scale and scope of the project the largest on the Polish market.
200 machines per week
The first recycling machines have already been installed in stores in Silesia and Mazovia. In the coming weeks, the machines will gradually appear in other locations. According to the Biedronka chain's announcement, in two weeks the installation rate will be over 200 slot machines per week.
– We are implementing solutions that will become everyday life for millions of Poles in the coming months. Our priority is to provide customers with a convenient and predictable packaging return process, says Agnieszka Koc, director of environmental protection and sustainable development at the Biedronka chain.
The deposit system is developing slowly
Biedronka's announcement states that the system will be available in the chain's stores in the first weeks of its operation limited number of packages marked with the deposit logo. The installation of machines has only just begun, so “the actual, widespread use of recyclers will begin gradually, a The system will reach full capacity at the end of this year. – predicts the retail chain.
The recycling machines installed by RVM Systems in Biedronka chain stores can accept even… 60 containers per minute, that is, one per second.
– Establishing cooperation with Biedronka, the largest retail chain in Poland, is a great honor for us, but also a great responsibility. Our technological solutions, apart from having a real impact on the environment, will also affect 5 million customers visiting the chain's stores every day – emphasizes Przemysław Stęślik, member of the management board of RVM Systems.
Who must accept deposit packaging?
Let us remind you that the deposit system has come into force in Poland October 1st. According to the regulations, stores with a surface area are obliged to collect packaging covered by the system over 200 sq m, that sell drinks in bottles and cans.
The system also includes: smaller sales points, where you can buy reusable glass bottles. Owners of other smaller stores they voluntarily choose, whether they want to join the system.
In addition to stores, packaging can also be returned in deposit machines, which are available in many retail outlets. Apart from them, they may also appear in municipalities additional meeting points.
The deposit system is valid until the end of the year transition period – we will be able to see both on store shelves new packaging covered by the system and marked with a special code and logo of the campaign, as well as “old”, without markings.
Controversies surrounding the system
We wrote about various controversies caused by the deposit system. The new regulations still raise questions and doubts. Both sellers and consumers still have little knowledge about the new system. They also appeared attempts to circumvent new regulations – creative producers created packaging that did not require an additional deposit fee.
There was also controversy over the question of what would happen if the consumer did not return the bottle or can and disposed of it on his own? To whom in such a case? Will there be money for bail? You will find the answer to this question here.
