Poland May Extend Deposit Scheme to Small Alcohol Bottles

Poland's authorities are weighing an expansion of the national deposit-return scheme to cover small bottles of strong alcoholic beverages. If the Polish parliament approves the change, retailers and deposit-system operators would be given six to 12 months to prepare before the new rules enter into force.

The proposed extension would bring miniature spirits bottles into a program that already applies to plastic and metal packaging, along with reusable glass bottles. The transition period is meant to give shops enough time to install or adjust return machines, train staff, and update logistics.

According to survey data, the idea has substantial public backing, with around 60 percent of Poles expressing support. Since the deposit system launched in Poland nearly a year ago, consumers have already returned approximately 3.2 billion containers, pointing to widespread adoption of the existing scheme.

The final decision on whether to add small alcohol bottles to the deposit system now rests with parliament. If passed, the measure would subject miniature spirits packaging to the same return-and-refund requirements already applied to other beverage containers.