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Already in 4 months in stores there are bottles with a deposit. Here's what you need to know about the new system

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It will be a small revolution. On October 1, a deposit system will start in Poland, which will guarantee the possibility of giving in a bail of some packaging after drinks: PET plastic bottles, glass -reusable glass bottles and cans.

Such systems already operate in several European Union countries and many can associate machines to return bottles, e.g. from trips to Germany. But more and more often also with Polish cities, because some retail chains in preparation for the entry into force of the system began to run machines in advance. However, what is important – only from October the official system will start, the labels will appear on the bottles, and shops They will be required to take the appropriate packaging.

VIEW VIDEO How to live more eco? “We must start limiting”

The challenge is not only on the side of the stores and system operators, but also to all consumers who will have to change their habits a bit. Anita Sowińska, deputy minister of climate and the environment, talked about the most important principles of the system at a press conference.

What do you need to know about the Caition System?

1. Return bottles with a special marking

All plastic and glass bottles and cans covered by the deposit system will have the system logo and information about the deposit height. Each such packaging can be released at the point of return and obtained for not a deposit.

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Traffic system markphoto: MKIŚ

According to Anita Sowińska, after October 1, packaging with this marking will hit the shelves, but for some time these old, not included in the Caunts System will disappear. Such bottles will not be available for deposit. Therefore, it makes no sense to “collect” today cans or bottles, counting on obtaining a deposit, because only those with the appropriate designation will be refundable.

The system includes:

  • Plastic bottles (PET) up to 3 l – deposit 50 grosze
  • Metal cans up to 1 l – deposit 50 gr
  • Glass bottles (only reusable) up to 1.5 l – deposit PLN 1

2. Where to return the bottles behind the bail?

From the beginning of October, larger stores (above 200 sq m) will be required to accept packaging with the logo of the deposit system. Smaller stores will also be able to voluntarily attach to the system. – We know that there is a lot of interest in signing contracts with system operators. Shops see this and the opportunity to build their clients' loyalty – said Deputy Minister.

In order to return the bottle you will not need a receipt, and the return can be made at any point (it does not have to be a shop where the purchase was made). System operators will be required to guarantee at least one point in each commune. The ministry hopes that there will be many more points – both compulsory in medium and large stores, as well as voluntary in smaller ones.

3. How to return the bottle?

Depending on the type of point, bottles and cans covered by the correct system, it will be possible to be given directly in the store or in the machines placed by the operator.

Bottles should be emptied before delivery, but there is no need to wash them. Do not crush bottles and cans or tear labels from them, because automated systems will read the bar code from packaging.

The deposit can be issued in the form of cash or coupon to be realized in the store.

4. Will the system cover all glass bottles?

At the time of entry into force, the system will only include reusable glass bottles (e.g. beer), but not disposable bottles (e.g. those with strong alcohol).

Deputy Minister of the Climate said that such a decision was made after consulting entrepreneurs, including small stores that were afraid of logistics challenges. She also emphasized that in other countries a disposable glass is also not covered by the deposit system. At the same time, the principles of selective waste collection are still in force and such glass bottles should go to the appropriate container.

5. What will happen with packaging from the system?

Collection of bottles and cans will allow them to be transferred for recycling. As Anita Sowińska said, the bailing system has many advantages compared to the selective waste collection (i.e. throwing plastic bottles into the yellow container). It happens that waste in the container is contaminated, which hinders their selection. On the other hand – not everyone segregates correctly and sometimes plastic packaging goes to mixed waste. In this way, some of them end in dumps or in incineration plants.

Receiving bottles and cans behind the deposit allows you to get a much higher quality raw material, which improves recycling.

However, you have to be aware that while glass and aluminum can be recycled in practice forever, it is not so easy with artificial plastic. Therefore, the best method of dealing with the problem of plastic waste is first of all a limitation.



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