Researchers from the Łukasiewicz – Poznań Institute of Technology created a recyclomat that automatically returns funds to your account. When dropping a bottle or a can into it, all you have to do is enter three words or your cell phone number. Starting in the new year, a new deposit system will be in effect in Poland. Those who return cans and single-use plastic bottles will receive money in exchange for them. 

The innovative device was created thanks to the cooperation between Lukasiewicz – Poznan Institute of Technology, Czysta Polska Recyklomaty company and payment operator Tpay. 

The device was designed to be user-friendly and as simple as possible to operate. Users will decide in what form the deposit refund will be delivered to them. From classic solutions in the form of a receipt or a photo with a QR code to an instant transfer to an account, which will be possible without specifying the account number. 

The machine can be installed not only in stores, but also in parks, squares or at stadiums; anywhere people gather and consume drinks. 

The deposit system, which will go into effect on January 1, 2025, will cover plastic bottles up to 3 liters, glass bottles up to 1.5 liters and metal cans up to 1 liter. The deposit for plastic and metal packaging will be 50 gr, while for glass packaging it will be 1 zloty. The funds will be given back to customers after returning the can or bottle. 

The obligation to accept used bottles and cans will apply to all stores with an area of more than 200 square meters. Smaller ones may join the system, but do not have to.