„Czekając na kaucję” – co Polacy wiedzą o systemie kaucyjnym… i czego nie wiedzą
Pierwsze kroki ku czystości
From October 2025, a deposit system for selected beverage packaging will start operating in Poland. This is a response to the challenges related to littering public spaces and meeting EU requirements related to the level of collection of this waste. The new mechanism, included in the Packaging Management Act, is to cover plastic bottles up to 3 liters, aluminum cans up to 1 liter and reusable glass bottles up to 1.5 liters. The system, which aims to simplify segregation and reduce the amount of waste, will be based on a deposit – a fee that we will receive back after returning, for example, an aluminum can at an appropriate point.
Czy Polacy są gotowi na zmiany?
As shown in the second part of the report “In the traps of disposables – waiting for a deposit” , developed by Interzero, based on qualitative and quantitative research conducted by Opinia24, awareness of the system is at a different level. Every fourth Pole does not know at all that more returnable packaging will appear in our country any moment now, which will have to be returned to stores to get some of the money back. On the other hand, 77% of respondents know about its upcoming introduction, but only 32% correctly indicate that returning bottles does not require crushing, tearing off labels or caps. Such a lack of awareness may contribute to the spread of ignorance and misinformation about the new system and, as a result, affect the undermining of trust in the new mechanism.
Obawy i nadzieje
According to research, Poles expect the system to be simple and convenient, but at the same time they are afraid of its inconvenience. Nearly 42% of respondents are worried that the packaging will not be able to be returned to every store, and 41% are afraid of the long distances to the return points. Many unjustified doubts are also raised by the need to have a receipt (40%), which will not have to be kept to return cans and bottles. A key element will therefore be appropriate education that clearly explains the principles of the system and the availability of infrastructure on which the convenience of using the deposit system depends.
System kaucyjny w Europie
In many European Union countries , deposit systems have been operating successfully for years . For example, in Germany, the packaging return rate exceeds 98%, which shows how effective this form of selective collection and recycling of packaging can be. Key success factors include clear rules, the availability of return points (including machines) and an appropriately high deposit rate.
Dlaczego to ważne?
The deposit system is not only a way to a cleaner environment, but also a possibility of better use of secondary raw materials. In times when the Single Use Plastic directive forces changes in the packaging economy, such solutions are necessary.
Zapoznaj się z pełnym raportem
The second part of the report “In the traps of disposableness – waiting for a deposit” contains detailed analyses, data and recommendations. If you are interested in how the deposit system will affect our daily lives, or you want to check how you compare to the answers, be sure to read the whole thing on our website. Prepare for change and become part of the solution, not the problem!
