In October, Poland will launch its deposit return system (DRS) – a solution that has been in place for years across many European countries and is considered one of the most effective ways to boost recycling rates of beverage packaging. After months of preparation, the market and consumers will now test its effectiveness in practice.
The system is designed not only to reduce the amount of waste ending up in the environment but, above all, to create a closed-loop system for PET bottles, cans, and returnable glass bottles. This ensures that valuable raw materials can return to production instead of feeding landfills and mixed waste streams.
Organizational Challenges
Rolling out such a large-scale project is an organizational challenge. Each municipality must establish at least one collection point, which means building a network that covers both major cities and small towns. Operators must guarantee the collection of packaging from neighborhood shops as well as hypermarkets, while also flexibly planning logistics.
The biggest challenge, however, will not be setting up collection points but ensuring smooth and efficient cooperation between operators. Key issues include reconciling collection levels, managing deposits, and reporting data. Without this, the system will not be transparent or credible. For small shops, the burden may be particularly heavy, as they are required to join the system immediately, with no transition period. Inspectors from the Voivodeship Inspectorate for Environmental Protection (WIOŚ) will oversee the collection points. While penalties may not be imposed at the outset, each case will be considered individually.
– “An efficient deposit system is not only about infrastructure but, above all, about people – consumers. They will decide whether bottles and cans make it back to collection points. That’s why educational activities and information campaigns are essential, explaining the system in simple terms and showing that it delivers real environmental benefits. A lack of knowledge could lead to frustration and discouragement, and public trust is the foundation of achieving high return rates,” explains Agata Juzyk, CEO of Reselekt, the system operator.
Role of Retail and Consumers
Retail employees will be on the “front line.” They will have to explain to customers why one bottle carries a deposit while another does not, or why a return voucher is valid for 30 days in one store but 90 days in another. Clear communication and simple rules will help avoid unnecessary tension and build a positive customer experience with the new system. This is especially important in the first months of operation, when manual collection will dominate, meaning large volumes of uncrushed bottles and cans will have to be regularly transported from stores to counting centers.
Environmental and Logistical Concerns
The system’s environmental impact is another serious challenge. Logistics and transport must be planned to avoid unnecessary trips and minimize emissions. According to Juzyk, a broad educational campaign is still missing, and the first pieces of information are only now reaching consumers.
A Beginning, Not an End
The October 1 launch is only the beginning. In the first months, the system will continue to evolve, but the quality of these initial experiences will determine whether it becomes a permanent element of the circular economy and a real support for recycling—or merely an expensive obligation for businesses and retailers.
Source: CEO.com.pl
