2026-01-25 16:00
publication
2026-01-25 16:00
A decision on possible changes to the deposit system is to be made by June, said Deputy Minister of Climate Anita Sowińska. She emphasized that she is a supporter of including disposable glass bottles in the system, including the so-called monkeys, but it will not be easy and will require consultation.
The government gives itself six months
– When it comes to (…) disposable bottles, including bottles, (…) at the moment we have not taken any deposit yet, which should be improved, because it is possible that some minor things will need to be corrected. And within these six months we will make such a decision for the following years – said the Deputy Minister of Climate and Environment during the debate in the Senate.
She reminded that the system has only been in operation since October last year, and the decision on possible changes would be made “around June.”
The deputy minister emphasized that Personally, I am a supporter of including disposable glass packaging in the deposit system. However, she emphasized that the decision on this matter “is not simple” and must be consulted with the social side and entrepreneurs. She added that any changes would also require “large logistical changes and significant investments.”
Debate on including single-use glass bottles in the deposit system, including the so-called monkeys has been going on in Poland for many years. This packaging was not included in the system, although it was initially considered. Supporters of this solution point out, among others: to the problem of such bottles lying in parks or forests.
How does it work?
The system for drinks in plastic bottles (up to 3 l), metal cans (up to 1 l) and reusable glass bottles (up to 1.5 l) includes a deposit that can be recovered after returning the packaging. The deposit is 50 groszy for plastic bottles and cans, and PLN 1 for reusable glass bottles. Whether a given package is covered by a deposit is indicated by the deposit mark printed on the label or can. These are two arrows forming a rectangle with the word “deposit” and its amount.
The regulations give beverage producers the opportunity to decide not to join the deposit system, agreeing to pay the so-called product fee, i.e. de facto a penalty for failure to meet minimum levels of selective collection. From January 1 this year this fee has increased to encourage producers to join the system.
The main goal of the deposit system is to increase the levels of separate collection of beverage packaging and achieve EU recycling thresholds. According to them, in the years 2025-2028, the level of selective waste collection is to reach 77%. in the case of single-use plastic bottles (up to 3 liters), metal cans (up to 1 liter) and reusable glass bottles (up to 1.5 liters). From 2029, this threshold will increase to 90%. (PAP)
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