Majority of Poles back new deposit system for bottles and cans
Poland launched its national deposit return system on October 1, adding refundable deposits to beverage packaging to encourage recycling. Deposits amount to 0.50 złoty (€0.12) for plastic bottles and cans, and 1 złoty (€0.23) for reusable glass, which can be refunded when the packaging is returned to collection points or deposit machines.
The government introduced the measure as part of a broader effort to align with European Union environmental goals and boost recycling rates. The initiative is also intended to reduce litter in public spaces and cut the use of single-use plastics.
The survey, published by the Wirtualna Polska news portal, found that 31% of respondents ‘strongly support’ the program, while another 30% ‘rather support’ it. Around one in four participants opposed the idea, with 14% saying they were ‘strongly against’ and 10% ‘rather against.’ A further 15% said they were undecided.
