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Two steps towards a green future: a bail system and clean water for Poland

Poland is facing new environmental and public health challenges. On the one hand, the deposit system being implemented from 1 October 2025 is set to revolutionise the approach to beverage packaging recycling. On the other, EU Directive 2020/2184 imposes new standards for the quality and availability of drinking water. Although seemingly different, both issues share a common denominator: concern for sustainability and the well-being of citizens.

The deposit system, which covers plastic bottles, cans and reusable glass bottles, aims to reduce the amount of waste that pollutes the environment. With a deposit of 50 cents for a plastic bottle or can and £1 for a glass bottle, consumers will be motivated to return the packaging, which will increase recycling rates. This is an important step towards a closed-loop economy, in which waste is treated as a valuable raw material.

The deposit system and the directive on access to water

In parallel, Directive 2020/2184 sets Poland the task of improving drinking water quality and ensuring its availability to all citizens. This implies modernising the water supply infrastructure, implementing rigorous systems for monitoring and protecting water sources, as well as educational activities.

It is worth emphasising that the two challenges can support each other. Protecting drinking water sources is an investment in the future, which brings benefits both in the context of Directive 2020/2184 and the deposit system. Clean rivers and lakes are not only a source of healthy water, but also a reduced risk of contamination of beverage packaging that ends up in the environment.

The implementation of the deposit system and Directive 2020/2184 is an opportunity for Poland to build a more sustainable economic model, in which care for the environment goes hand in hand with concern for public health.

Spas as a solution

In addition, in the context of caring for access to drinking water, the following are becoming increasingly popular drinking water outlets and mains-connected water dispensers, installed in public spaces. This is an excellent solution that fits in with Directive 2020/2184, promoting access to clean and refreshing water for all citizens, including people with disabilities. The spas and dispensers, by offering quality water, reduce the need to purchase bottled water, generating less plastic waste and supporting the idea of a deposit system. This is a real contribution to protecting the environment and promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Furthermore, the installation of sprinklers and water dispensers in public spaces is also a a response to the public's growing environmental awareness. Consumers are increasingly looking for alternatives to plastic bottles, and access to free, good-quality drinking water is an important consideration for them. It is also a nod to tourists, who are keen to use such facilities when visiting cities. In this way, by investing in water infrastructure, Poland is becoming a more welcoming country for residents and visitors, and is underlining its commitment to sustainable development goals.