The deposit system was supposed to primarily improve waste sorting by accepting plastic and glass beverage bottles, as well as cans. From the moment it entered into force, i.e. from 1 October 2025, it has sparked many controversies. These include the way packaging is returned and the refund of the collected deposit. It turns out a new problem has arisen related to the system. It is about defrauding the deposit. Although there were already cases online, including photos and videos showing people attempting to scan a single package multiple times to get more money from the bottle dispenser. Now a new method of fraud has emerged. It involves fake stickers that imitate the prints on packaging included in the deposit system.
Fake stickers from the Internet
Police officer Łukasz Mituła informed the Internet about the practice of selling fake stickers with a barcode and the inscription “Deposit 0.50 PLN”. On LinkedIn he described the practice he encountered.
“The deposit system was supposed to be simple: you buy a drink, pay a deposit, return the packaging, and get your money back. Simple theory. In practice? The Internet already shows stickers that turn a random package into a small ATM” – wrote Łukasz Mituła.
Acquiring fake stickers should be possible via the Internet. The officer noted that using them is illegal, and those who use such tools must expect consequences.
“Just because something looks like a ‘trick’ doesn’t mean it stops being deception for money. There are already paragraphs for this, and you must expect consequences. Even if someone thinks it’s only 50 groszy” – emphasized Łukasz Mituła.
The consequences of actions by people attempting to defraud the deposit system may also affect those who use the devices legally. For example, because the bottle dispensers may be damaged, preventing them from accepting bottles or cans.
Such actions also force system operators to devise ways to stop dishonest people. One could, for example, refund money to the account of the person returning the packaging, which would be verified with their data. Then those trying to “cheat the system” might fear that they will be tracked and punished.
1.6 billion packages have already been returned
The deposit system in Poland was introduced on 1 October 2025, a little over nine months ago. Its performance can be assessed earliest after a year, but not counting from 1 October, because at that time many packages not covered by the deposit system were still on the market (they can still be found), but from the moment most packages were covered by the system. So far, according to information from the system operator, by the end of May 2026, i.e. over 8 months Poles have returned nearly 1.6 billion packages. Most of them, i.e. 85% went to machines located among others at large supermarket chains.
It is worth recalling that the deposit system includes plastic bottles up to 3 liters, glass bottles up to 1.5 liters, and cans up to 1 liter. For the first two types of packaging you can get a refund of 50 groszy per item, and for glass bottles 1 PLN.
See also: Holidays are a time of increased beverage consumption. This will be a test for the deposit system
