Devices known as Refund Machines are installed in places that are intended to make it as easy as possible for consumers to participate in the deposit system. PolKa installs them in housing estates, public facilities and popular tourist destinations.
The first such devices appeared in Warsaw's Białołęka, Zamość (Lublin Voivodeship), as well as in the seaside resorts of Mielno, Gąski and Sarbinowo.
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A revolution in returning bottles. The money can go straight to the card
PolKa wants consumers in Poland who want to return bottles covered by the deposit system to not have to go to retail outlets every time. The operator wants to make returns independent of shopping, making it possible to make them, for example, while walking.
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“The deposit system in Poland needs greater accessibility, which is why we are investing in building a universal network of Zwrotomat points,” explains the president of the management board of PolKa, Magdalena Markiewicz, quoted by “Super Express”. The devices in new locations, especially in seaside towns, are to be available 24 hours a day.
The process of returning bottles and cans to return machines is fully automated. Just place them in the machine's opening and it will scan and count them on its own. The method of refunding funds is a huge convenience. The consumer does not receive a paper coupon that must be redeemed at the checkout. The money can be returned directly to the payment card after touching it to the terminal.
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“However, this is not the only option. Depending on the needs of the partner who decides to install the vending machine, the deposit can also be saved on a loyalty card, an RFID wristband (used e.g. in water parks) or in a dedicated mobile application,” we read.
Additionally, PolKa also intends to respond flexibly to seasonal demand for such devices. The solution is to be mobile refund machines, which can be useful in holiday resorts and at events and festivals.
