Deposit from unreturned bottles: Ministry explains its fate

Unredeemed deposits from bottles and cans in Poland are not lost but remain within the deposit system, effectively financing its operations, according to Anita Sowińska, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Climate and Environment. She explained that individuals who do not return their containers are, in effect, contributing to the system's sustainability.

“

If someone says: I am an opportunist, I will not use the deposit system, then they are actually financing the deposit system.

During a press conference on August 20, Sowińska highlighted this aspect of the system, stating, "If someone says: I am an opportunist, I will not use the deposit system, then they are actually financing the deposit system." She added with irony, "So it is better to return these bottles so as not to finance the deposit system."

The ministry also addressed customer complaints regarding malfunctioning or overflowing reverse vending machines. Sowińska clarified that large stores participating in the collection system are obligated to accept containers manually when machines are unavailable. However, the ministry will not dictate specific types of machines to stores, aiming for flexibility in how the collection is managed.

“

So it is better to return these bottles so as not to finance the deposit system.

Furthermore, the ministry plans to extend and standardize the validity period of vouchers issued by machines after containers are returned. Currently, these voucher durations vary by store or operator. An analysis is underway, expected to conclude in September, to determine a uniform validity period. Sowińska also reminded the public that customers have the right to request cash refunds for their deposits, and stores cannot refuse such requests.

“

If there is a deposit voucher and the customer wishes for a cash refund, then they absolutely have the right to it, and the store has no right to refuse the payment of money.