Poland national Deposit Return System: launching October 2025

Five years of advocacy, one national system

After five years of sustained advocacy by the Polish Zero Waste Association, Poland's national Deposit Return System (DRS) is launching on 1 October 2025. The system will apply to beverage containers: bottles, cans, and cartons: across all retail points. For communities and municipalities, the launch creates both infrastructure (return machines, collection logistics) and a cultural shift toward thinking of packaging as something that goes back, not into the bin.

What the DRS means for residents

• A deposit paid at purchase is refunded when you return the container at a registered return point
• Return machines will be installed at supermarkets and retail locations across the country
• Manufacturers, retailers, and the state share responsibility under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

How to engage

• Polish residents: return your beverage containers from October 2025 at the nearest registered return point: your deposit is waiting
• Retailers: follow the official DRS operator guidance on installing return machines in time for the October launch
• Municipalities: contact Polish Zero Waste Association for support preparing residents for the DRS launch with education campaigns

Why it matters

Poland's DRS is proof that persistent, evidence-based advocacy works. After five years, the system is real. It sets a precedent for EPR policy in Poland and demonstrates the path to other advocates working on similar legislation in CEE countries.

Source & repost

Shared here so you can get inspired or find action already happening near you. Solarpunker does not own or organise it.

• Lead: Polish Zero Waste Association
• Report chapter: ZWE State of Zero Waste Municipalities, 5th edition