This is how much the deposit system will cost over the course of a decade

The cost of the deposit-refund system in Poland could exceed PLN 40 billion over the next 10 years, according to a recent Deloitte report. According to experts, capital expenditures related to its launch will be lower than expected a year ago, but operating expenses will increase.

The Deloitte report "The deposit-refund system in Poland – costs, prospects, opportunities" published in September 2024 estimated the total amount of expenses related to the launch and operation of the system at over PLN 37 billion.

As reported in Tuesday's press release, the company's experts have updated some of the calculations, reflecting legislative changes – an amendment to the Packaging and Packaging Waste Management Act. These changes primarily include postponing the mechanism's launch to October 1st of this year and requiring each representative entity to organize at least one stationary collection point in each municipality.

"According to Deloitte's latest estimates, the total value of capital expenditures could reach PLN 11.5 billion over the next 10 years, which is PLN 2.7 billion less than initially anticipated. A reverse trend is visible in the area of ​​operating expenses – they could reach PLN 32.4 billion, which is PLN 9.3 billion more than estimated a year ago. Among the factors with the greatest impact on costs are higher than previously assumed market offers of manual collection and the growing number of packaging collection machines, the purchase of which ultimately constitutes a cost for the entities representing them," Deloitte wrote in a press release.

"In addition, there is the issue of debt financing of expenses incurred by retail chains in connection with the deposit system. As a result, liabilities arising from loans taken out must also be added to the costs of the system," it added.

Joanna Leoniewska-Gogola, leader of the circular economy team at Deloitte, points out that the efficiency of system management will become an important element.

"In the coming months, it will be crucial to develop solutions that will allow for balancing financial obligations with expected environmental and economic effects, so that the system is not only compliant with regulations, but also profitable for market participants in the long term," she said.

From October 1, 2025, a deposit of 0.50 PLN will be added to beverages covered by the deposit system sold in plastic bottles and cans. For reusable glass packaging, the deposit will be 1 PLN.

The fee will be collected in all stores, restaurants, cafes, and other outlets selling products covered by the deposit system, including vending machines. Deposits can be recovered in cash or by cashless transfer at stores that collect packaging, either directly at the cash register or upon presentation of a return receipt issued by a vending machine. Proof of purchase will not be required to collect the amount due – the entire process will be receiptless.

The main goal of implementing the deposit-refund system in Poland is to achieve EU environmental targets. This includes both the minimum percentage of PET recycled content in manufactured packaging and the separate collection levels for plastic bottles up to 3 liters: 77% by the end of 2025 and 90% in 2029. (PAP Biznes)

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