Hennig-Kloska Defends Deposit System and Slams Confederation Proposal

Climate and Environment Minister Paulina Hennig-Kloska dismissed Confederation’s legislative push to scrap Poland’s new deposit system during a television appearance on Wednesday, August 12.

Ministerial Rejection of Confederation Proposal

Speaking on the Polsat News program “Graffiti” on Wednesday, August 12, Minister of Climate and Environment Paulina Hennig-Kloska strongly criticized Confederation’s legislative proposal concerning the deposit system. She stated that the bill must be quickly rejected and sent straight to the trash, calling it irresponsible thinking regarding the state, citizens, and entrepreneurs.

Addressing program host Marcin Fijołek, Hennig-Kloska dismissed claims made by the opposition regarding unreturned deposits as manipulation and lies. She explained that critics wrongly calculate unreturned deposits by taking the total stock entering the sales system over the last six months and subtracting returned items, ignoring the inventory still sitting in warehouses and on store shelves. She added that the government will push to increase the number of reverse vending machines.

Arguments Behind Confederation’s Bill

The justification for Confederation’s draft legislation argues that the deposit system is fundamentally flawed both legislatively and practically. The authors of the project accuse the ruling authorities of rushing the enactment of regulations and highlight a lack of adequate consultations with the retail industry, local governments, and consumer organizations.

Rules of the Polish Deposit System

The deposit system in Poland has been in effect since October 1, 2025. It applies to beverages in plastic bottles up to 3 liters and metal cans up to 1 liter, carrying a 50 grosz deposit, as well as glass bottles up to 1.5 liters with a 1 zloty deposit, provided the packaging is properly labeled. Participation is mandatory for all stores with an area exceeding 200 square meters and smaller stores that sell beverages in glass bottles, while other retail outlets can join voluntarily.