A split verdict on the system

A CBOS survey titled 'Current problems and events' was carried out from 14 to 27 September 2026 on a sample of 956 people, and its results were published on 12 October 2026. The Polish deposit system, which took effect on 1 October 2025, drew near-equal verdicts: 49% of respondents said it is inconvenient for consumers, while 47% called it convenient. According to the study's authors, the ratings are linked to political views. Among supporters of Konfederacja Wolność i Niepodległość (Confederation Liberty and Independence), 85% rated the system negatively, whereas 67% of Koalicja Obywatelska (Civic Coalition) supporters described it as convenient. The survey mixed interview methods: CAPI with 63.8% of respondents, CATI with 22.6% and CAWI with 13.6%.

Storage and machines top the complaints

Keeping empty containers at home was the most frequently named inconvenience, cited by 44% of respondents. Problems with bottle-return machines, including breakdowns and overfilling, came next at 37%. 28% said carrying containers to return points was the burden, 24% pointed to queues at the machines, and 20% said containers carrying the deposit marking were still hard to return. 19% noted too few machines in their area. Smaller shares named exchanging machine vouchers for cash at the shop till (4%), not having the deposit credited (3%) and needing proof of purchase (3%). Meanwhile 18% said they saw no inconvenience at all.

Divided views on the system's future

39% favour extending the system to more types of packaging, 26% want it kept in its present form and 30% want it abolished, with 5% holding no opinion. Taken together, 65% support keeping the system in its current or expanded form, although respondents do not agree on what its future shape should be. Rzeczpospolita's headline reports that deputy minister Anita Sowińska said the system may be expanded, but the article body does not carry her remarks, so that expansion claim rests on the headline alone.

Environmental benefit and key dates

72% of respondents believe the system helps limit the waste that reaches the environment, while 22% disagree and 5% cannot judge. Rzeczpospolita notes that belief in environmental benefits stands out more clearly than the other findings. The key dates in the story are the start of the system on 1 October 2025, the start of CBOS fieldwork on 14 September 2026, its close on 27 September 2026, and publication of the results on 12 October 2026.