The initiative involves major retailer Carrefour Poland, logistics company InPost, system operator Polska Kaucja (PolKa), and water producer Muszynianka.
Under the program, customers can return three types of containers — glass bottles, PET bottles up to three liters, and aluminum cans up to one liter — at select Carrefour locations.
Initially, only containers sold by Carrefour are eligible, but the program will later include containers from other retailers.
Customers receive an electronic voucher from the automated machines, known as reverse vending machines (RVM), for each returned container. This voucher, worth PLN 0.50 (about USD 0.13) for a glass bottle and PLN 0.05 (USD 0.01) for each PET bottle, can be used for purchases within the store on the same day.
The pilot program, scheduled to run four months, is part of a broader preparation for a mandatory deposit system set to start in 2025.
"Our pilot program is not just about encouraging Poles to return waste but also about educating and completely changing consumer habits," said Justyna Orzeł, Vice President and Secretary-General of Carrefour Poland.
"The popular slogan 'crush and throw into the right container' will change drastically to 'do not throw away, do not crush, return at the point of purchase and receive a deposit,'" she added.
The initiative includes the installation of 40 RVMs in 36 locations around Warsaw and nearby areas, starting with machines already operational at Carrefour in the Atrium Reduta shopping center, as well as other major locations.
InPost is handling the acquisition and maintenance of the RVMs.
Waldemar Brzoska, InPost's director of expansion, emphasized the pilot's role in preparing for the full implementation of the deposit system, aiming to integrate multiple retail networks into the scheme.
This new system will require large stores over 200 square meters to accept empty containers and return deposits, while smaller stores may opt into the system.
Unclaimed deposits will fund the operation and expansion of this system, designed to decrease mixed municipal waste and increase recycling rates, according to the Polish climate ministry.
(rt/gs)
Source: PAP