Free app for Poland's deposit return system

Navigate Poland's deposit system. Without the chaos.

Zakaucjowani shows you where to return packaging, whether a point is working, whether a product is covered by the deposit system, and how much you actually reclaim.

  • Faster decisions about where to return bottles and cans.
  • Fewer wasted trips to points that are currently unavailable.
  • A clear answer on whether a package is covered by the deposit.

One app instead of guessing, driving around blindly and digging through deposit system rules.

Return map Community statuses Deposit scanner Return history

Key features

What you actually need when making returns.

Zakaucjowani focuses on the practical questions that matter most: where to go, whether the point works, what is covered by the deposit and how much you have already reclaimed.

Return point map

Quickly check nearby stores and machines instead of searching through several sources.

Point statuses

See whether a point is working, has issues or needs confirmation before you head out with a bag of packaging.

Deposit label scanner

Scan a package and instantly check whether the product is covered by the deposit system.

Return history and stats

Keep your returns organised and see how many packages and how much deposit you have already reclaimed.

How it works

Three steps. Much less deposit-system chaos.

1

Find the right point

Open the map and choose the nearest store or machine that fits your route.

2

Check whether it works

Before you leave, you can see the current point status and avoid wasted trips to closed points.

3

Scan and track returns

Confirm deposit markings, then save your returns and keep track of your own results.

Community

The map works better because people use it.

Users help confirm whether a point is working, report changes and expand the map with new return locations.

That makes the information more practical, faster. The more confirmations there are, the less guesswork for everyone.

Zakaucjowani+

The app is free. Zakaucjowani+ is for people who want more.

All core features are available at no cost.

Subscription from 8.99 zł/month, or buy us a coffee if the app comes in handy.

Favourite places

Save your trusted return points and get back to them with a single tap.

Extended history

Keep a fuller record of your returns when you want to look back at older data.

Charts and statistics

See trends in returns and reclaimed deposit in a clearer, more detailed format.

iCloud backup

Safer data storage and smoother migration between Apple devices.

FAQ

Common questions about Poland's deposit return system

Where can I return deposit-covered packaging?

In the app, you can check a map of return points and machines across Poland, making it easier to find a convenient location.

Does every return point work reliably?

Not always. That's why Zakaucjowani shows point statuses and lets the community confirm current availability.

Are all bottles and cans covered by the deposit?

No. Coverage depends on the label and packaging type. The in-app scanner helps you check quickly.

Does the app work only in Poland?

Yes. Zakaucjowani is built specifically for Poland's deposit return system and Polish return-point data.

Is premium required?

No. The most important features are available without Zakaucjowani+. Premium extends convenience and history, but it is not required for day-to-day use.

How much is the deposit for a bottle or can?

In Poland's deposit return system, the deposit is 0.50 zł for a marked PET plastic bottle and 0.50 zł for a marked metal can. For a reusable glass bottle covered by the system, the deposit is 1 zł. You will find the deposit amount on the packaging label next to the deposit mark.

When did Poland's deposit return system start?

Poland's nationwide deposit return system has applied since 1 October 2025. It covers PET plastic bottles up to 3 litres, metal cans up to 1 litre and reusable glass bottles up to 1.5 litres, as long as they carry the deposit mark on the label.

How can I tell whether packaging is covered by the deposit?

Look for the deposit mark on the label. The deposit amount should be shown there as well. Packaging without this mark is not covered by the nationwide deposit return system. The scanner in Zakaucjowani helps you check the marking quickly while shopping or before returning packaging.

0.50 zł deposit mark on packaging covered by Poland's deposit return system
0.50 zł deposit — PET bottles and cans
1 zł deposit mark on a reusable glass bottle covered by Poland's deposit return system
1.00 zł deposit — reusable glass bottles
Is every package in stores already part of the deposit system?

No. Stores may still sell both packaging with the deposit mark and older stock without it. Products introduced earlier may remain on shelves until stock runs out, so not every bottle or can in a store is covered. The label marking is what matters.

Does every shop have to accept deposit packaging?

Not every shop. The obligation mainly applies to stores larger than 200 m². Smaller shops generally do not have to accept all PET bottles and cans, although they can join the system voluntarily or limit collection to products from their own range. Reusable glass bottles are the key exception: shops that sell such drinks must participate in their collection and deposit refund.

What should I do if a reverse vending machine rejected my packaging?

First check whether the packaging has the deposit mark, is not badly crushed and still has a readable label. If the machine still refuses it, try another return point. Packaging covered by the deposit system can be returned at any collection point that accepts that type of packaging; you do not have to go back to the shop where you bought it.

Can I return packaging without a receipt?

Yes. A receipt is not required to return packaging covered by the deposit system and reclaim the deposit. In the nationwide system, the label mark matters, not proof of purchase.

Why do some stores ask for a receipt when returning glass bottles?

In the nationwide deposit system, a receipt is not needed to return a marked glass bottle and receive the deposit back. If a shop asks for one, it usually relates to its own rules or a separate returnable-packaging scheme outside the nationwide system. For the nationwide deposit system, the deposit mark on the label is enough.

Is Zakaucjowani free?

Yes. Zakaucjowani for iPhone is free, and the core features — return-point map, statuses, deposit-mark scanner and return history — are available at no cost. Zakaucjowani+ is an optional subscription for people who want extra features such as favourite places, extended history or charts.

Which devices does Zakaucjowani support, and which languages are available?

Zakaucjowani works on any iPhone running iOS 26 or later. The app is available in three languages: Polish, English and Ukrainian.

Start now

Find a return point in seconds.

Free iPhone app. No registration required.

Download on the App Store