The Polish climate ministry is considering changes to the deposit system following its initial months of operation, addressing consumer concerns about malfunctioning machines and potential expansions to include single-use glass.
In recent statements, Poland's Deputy Minister of Climate expressed positive feedback regarding the early performance of the deposit system. Responding to consumer complaints about issues with machines that accept returnable packaging, she acknowledged that similar challenges had been seen in other countries during the rollout of deposit systems. The ministry plans to enhance oversight, particularly in larger retail outlets, to ensure the system functions smoothly without imposing severe penalties at this stage.
The Deputy Minister revealed that the inclusion of single-use glass in the deposit system is unlikely to happen for at least two years. There is also consideration of adding carton beverages to the system. These gradual reforms are aimed at addressing the early teething problems while expanding the scope of the deposit initiative as it matures.
Additionally, the Deputy Minister highlighted ongoing legislative work regarding the extended producer responsibility (ROP), signaling the government's commitment to improving waste management and sustainability practices. This initiative aligns with broader EU objectives of reducing waste and increasing recycling rates, placing Poland in a critical position to enhance environmental efforts through effective policy implementation.
