Editor's Note: These are courtesy translations of local news provided by the U.S. Army Garrison Poland Public Affairs team for the benefit the military community stationed here. Views or opinions are not endorsed by USAG Poland or the U.S. Army.
Poland Launches Nationwide Deposit-Refund System for Beverage Containers
A deposit-refund system will come into effect in Poland on October 1st. The first three months will be a transitional period. This means that products with a deposit will be released as stores deplete their existing stocks. Packaging without the "DEPOSIT" label should disappear from shelves by the end of the year, as it will no longer be available for sale after that.
The deposit-refund system is a nationwide regulation, implemented and overseen by the Ministry of Climate and Environment. It applies to all consumers who choose products in specific packaging for their everyday purchases.
What is a deposit?
The deposit is a fee for certain beverage packaging. It's intended to encourage the return of bottles and cans, thus enabling the reuse of raw materials. Consumers purchasing beverages in appropriately marked packaging will be required to pay the fee each time. Reclaiming the deposit will be a personal decision for each consumer.
All reusable packaging must be clearly marked with the word "DEPOSIT" and the amount. If the bottle or can lacks this marking, the customer will not pay the deposit and will not be able to return it to a vending machine or store. How much will the additional fee be for packaging covered by the system, and which of them will be included in the system? The rates are established by the legislature and are as follows:
- PLN 0.50 for disposable plastic drink bottles with a capacity of up to 3 liters,
- PLN 0.50 for metal beverage cans with a capacity of up to 1 liter,
- PLN 1 for reusable glass beverage bottles with a capacity of up to 1.5 liters.
Of course, you will still be able to find products on the shelves in packaging that are not covered by the deposit and constitute so-called exceptions. These include:
- milk packages,
- yogurt or other drinking dairy product packaging,
- tetrapak milk and juice cartons,
- single-use glass packaging.
I buy a product in packaging with a deposit, what next?
Returning deposit-refunded packaging will not require presenting a receipt as proof of purchase. Consumers will be able to return it to any store or point of sale, provided it is participating in the system (in the case of small stores, this will be at the discretion of the owner).
The collection points for packaging with a deposit sign will be:
- all stores over 200 m² that offer beverages in deposit-refundable packaging,
- other stores that join the deposit system (these may only accept packaging that they have in their assortment),
- all shops selling beverages in glass bottles subject to a deposit (mandatory collection of glass packaging).
Importantly, small shops up to 200 m2, if they have products covered by a deposit, will have to collect this deposit, even if they do not guarantee a refund (in which case, as consumers, we have to go to another store to get the deposit back).
The method of packaging collection at a given store is voluntary. This can be done using vending machines (bottle vending machines) or by allowing customers to drop them off at the checkout or customer service desk.
How do I prepare packaging for return?
When returning deposit-refundable containers, please ensure they are empty and undamaged, meaning they must have a label and cap. The label indicates whether the product is returnable, which is essential for identifying the container. Bottles and cans returned under the deposit-refund system should not be crushed.
When bringing the packaging for return, you do not need to have a receipt confirming its purchase, so you will be able to return it to a store or point other than the one where the purchase was made.
How will I get back the money I spent on bail?
National regulations guarantee that when returning packaging marked with a deposit system, the consumer will receive a cash refund. However, due to the difficulty of equipping vending machines in large stores, for example, with cash, it is possible for such machines to issue a voucher that can be exchanged for cash at the store.
What should I do with the packaging if I do not return it under the deposit system?
Labeled and deposit-required packaging can still be placed in appropriate containers or bags for selective collection. This includes the yellow container for metals and plastics (for cans and plastic packaging) or the green container for glass (for glass packaging). The deposit-required system does not change the existing rules for selective municipal waste collection. Please note that if such packaging is placed in the appropriate container, it will be recycled; however, the consumer will not receive a refund of the deposit.
Finally, it's important to emphasize that the deposit-refund system is a nationwide regulation, implemented and overseen by the Ministry of Climate and Environment. Municipalities, including the City of Poznań, are not responsible for its implementation or organization. Detailed information, promotional materials, and frequently asked questions and answers can be found on the ministry's website .
Poznań’s OFF Opera Festival to Spotlight Work Culture and Creativity
From October 4th to 12th, Poznań will once again host OFF Opera – a social arts festival that has been encouraging people to create together for over a decade. Its central theme is a meeting of artists, residents, and urban communities. Songs, films, and performances are created during workshops, and the festival becomes a venue for their presentation. To date, the event has spawned projects such as TAXI Łona x Konieczny x Krupa and the New Wave of Polish Dance.
The main theme of the 11th edition of the festival will be work - its pros and cons, the emotions it evokes and the communities that form around it.
"We spend one-third of our lives at work. We want to explore this experience in all its diversity, from passion and satisfaction to frustration and burnout. OFF Opera is a space where we can talk about it, laugh about it, and even use it as inspiration for creativity," says Zuzanna Głowacka, the festival's program director.
This year's OFF Opera program includes, among others:
- Do your (first) stand-up comedy – a workshop with Agnieszka Matan, one of the most charismatic comedians in Poland. You'll learn how to construct jokes and test them out right on stage.
- Jokes in the Dog - an open mic evening during which you will see spectacular debuts straight from the workshops and stand-up comedy using freshly tested material.
- Express Yourself! - Freestyle with the group Ciepłe Brejki. You'll learn to write and perform your first verses, and then perform with the band.
- Record a song with Ala Zastary - the duo known from the song Pracuję will show how a song is created from scratch: from lyrics, through melody, to recording in a professional studio.
- A break from work - a meeting with the creators of the hit "Today I'm Still Dancing." A workshop during which you will reject routine and create your own musical commentary on reality.
- Sing with the Pogłosy choir – take the stage and join the choir. You'll learn contemporary songs about work and perform them at the festival's finale in the Pavilion.
- Homemade VJ - Discover how to create DIY concert visuals with Wojtek Siejak and Maria Majkowska. Your work will be featured on the big screen during the finale.
"OFF Opera provides a space to transform everyday experiences into music. This year, we will write songs and stand-up comedy based on our work stories," adds Głowacka.
The finale will take place on October 11th at 7:00 PM in the Pavilion. The premiere of the "Ruch Robotniczy" project will be performed by the Pogłosy Choir, conducted by Joanna Sykulska. The songs will be about work, with lyrics written by Zdenka Pszczołowska. The Poznań-based group Wczasy will also perform a set of songs about work, and the band Ala Zastary—known for hits such as "Pracuję" (I'm Working)—will perform material from their latest album. The concerts will be interpreted into Polish Sign Language.
- The texts were based on interviews with people from various professions and resulted in grotesque documentary songs: about clicking on tables, about welding, about work Christmas parties and mobbing - says Zdenka Pszczołowska, director and playwright.
All workshops and open events are free. Registration is now open on the festival website offopera.pl . Tickets for the final concert, priced at 40/50 PLN, are available on the Pavilion website and on the bilety24 platform.
Caravans Salon Poland to Bring Over 550 Campers, Celebrities and Travel Talks
From October 2nd to 5th, Poznań will transform into the capital of caravanning and tourism. Caravans Salon Poland is Poland's largest event for camper, trailer, and travel enthusiasts. The trade show combines a family atmosphere, travel inspiration, and practical knowledge, and is accompanied by the Tour Salon, the Śladami Marzeń Travel Festival, and the Tup Tup Family Festival.
8 pavilions and over 550 vehicles
The heart of the event is a massive exhibition, occupying eight pavilions at the Poznań International Fair. Visitors will see over 550 vehicles – from modern campers and trailers, through campervans and custom conversions, to luxurious premium models. Exhibitors' stands will also feature caravanning accessories, camping equipment, and technical solutions for travelers. It's the perfect place to compare market offers and find inspiration for your own trips.
Vanlife and retro - from dreams to classics
This year, there will be no shortage of unique zones, particularly appealing to families and enthusiasts. Visitors will see dozens of hand-built vans and chat with their owners about everyday life on the road. The retro zone will feature iconic campers and trailers from decades past – a treat for fans of classic cars and a journey back in time.
A rich main stage program
Three days full of meetings with travelers, debates and lectures await participants:
Friday - debate "Vanlife in the wild in Poland and beyond" with Śpię Gdzie Niech and the Tuptusie Travel, Zbusovani and AdVantours teams, panel "Woman in a camper" with Aldona from KamperManiak, Monika from Terasfera, Sylwia from AdVantours and Goha from Robimy Podróże and the Golden Camping awards gala.
Saturday - travel stories including Obieżyświaty 4, Tuptusie Travel, and Vagabond, as well as a lecture by KamperManiak about myths associated with traveling outside of Europe. A highlight will be a meeting with actors Krystian Wieczorek and Maria Wieczorek, who will discuss caravanning and a healthy lifestyle.
Sunday - practice and knowledge - a lecture on building your own camper, a conversation between Mr. and Mrs. Chilkowski about the costs, time and mistakes when building a van yourself, and the final debate "What could go wrong?" about breakdowns and challenges on the road.
Famous travelers and inspiring guests
The guests will include well-known figures in the caravanning and travel community: KamperManiak, the Chilkowscy family, AdVantours, Śię Gdzie Niech, Tuptusie Travel, Vagabond, as well as authors of blogs and channels who have made life on the road their everyday life.
Tour Salon and the Traces of Dreams Festival
Caravans Salon Poland isn't just about campers and trailers. Running concurrently is Tour Salon, a travel trade fair brimming with inspiration and ideas for your next trip, and the Śladami Marzeń Travel Festival, where renowned travelers will take the audience on a journey across all continents. For the youngest visitors, the Tup Tup Family Festival is a creative space filled with workshops and fun activities.
A weekend full of attractions
Caravans Salon Poland, combined with Tour Salon and the Śladami Marzeń Festival, is a weekend full of excitement, adventure, and inspiration. This event brings entire families together, showcasing caravanning as a modern, healthy lifestyle, and open to adventure.
Website: https://caravanssalon.pl/pl/
Tickets: https://tobilet.pl/caravans-salon-poland-2025-1.html
Tour Salon 2025 Promises Travel Stars, Global Inspiration and Family Fun
This will be the most travel-focused weekend of the year. From October 3rd to 5th, the Poznań International Fair will transform into a place where dreams and adventure meet. Tour Salon 2025 is underway – a travel trade fair combined with the Śladami Marzeń Travel Festival and the Tup Tup Family Festival. For three days, participants will have the opportunity to hear the stories of thirty-six travelers and learn more about what eight countries and eight regions of Poland have to offer, all with a single ticket.
Stars of the travel scene in Poznań
This year, the audience will be treated to some truly iconic stars. Dawid Andres, known for his show "Ciężarówką przez..." (Truck Through...) and his extreme cycling expeditions, will perform on the Tour Salon stage. During the event, the traveler will discuss his journeys through India and South Africa. Michał Cessanis, a traveler and journalist, will also be present, taking the audience on a unique campervan journey across Australia. The highlight of the Śladami Marzeń Travel Festival will be a meeting with a legend of global Himalayan mountaineering, Krzysztof Wielicki, conqueror of the Crown of the Himalayas and one of the most outstanding Polish mountaineers. These are names that thrill not only travel enthusiasts – their stories inspire action and prove that dreams really can come true.
Plus, dozens of inspiring lectures: from tales of expeditions to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, through stories from Africa, to trekking in Bornholm and Australia. On the festival stages, we'll meet both renowned globetrotters and enthusiasts who prove that travel can be close and within reach. Everyone will find something for themselves here—from breathtaking accounts from far-flung corners of the world to practical tips on how to discover the unconventional Poland right on your doorstep.
Competitions and prizes
The fair will also feature exciting competitions. Numerous prizes will be available, including airline tickets sponsored by Poznań-Ławica Airport. At the Łąka Gwiazd Glamping Jurty Czapla stand, visitors will have the opportunity to compete for a special prize – a two-day stay in the romantic Venus & Mars Yurt.
Poland and the world in one place
Tour Salon is also an opportunity to experience the tourist richness of Poland's and the world's regions in one place. Exhibitors will include the Podlaskie, Wielkopolskie, Małopolskie, and Lower Silesian Voivodeships, as well as representatives from foreign destinations: Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, and Cuba. Each region has prepared something unique – from culinary demonstrations and tastings of local delicacies, through prize competitions, to offers for active recreation enthusiasts. It's a true journey around the world... without leaving Poznań.
Family discovery of the world
For the youngest, the Tup Tup Family Travel Festival will feature workshops, games, and activities that will foster curiosity. There will be a play about Poznań's billy goats, art and dance workshops, family nature lessons, and a backyard games zone. This is the perfect opportunity to instill a passion for travel in children and show them that adventure can begin just around the corner.
Why is it worth coming?
Tour Salon 2025 offers hundreds of inspirations, encounters with travel icons, culinary and cultural attractions, and a robust family program . It's three days full of something for everyone – from exotic stories from the other side of the world, through the flavors of Podlasie, to workshops for children and young people. It's worth attending, because once you experience the Tour Salon atmosphere, you'll want to return year after year.
For a few days, Poznań will become a place where dreams, inspirations, and realistic plans for future travels converge. Don't miss this opportunity – come, let yourself be captivated by the stories, and plan your own great adventure!
Ticket information is available at: tour-salon.pl/pl/dla-zwiedzajacych/wazne-informacje/zainspiruj-sie-i-ruszaj-w-droge
Pumpkin Farm Returns to Posnania Mall With Photo Spots and Fall Decor
A pumpkin farm recently opened in the square with the fountain near Posnania. It boasts over 6 tons of pumpkins, fairytale arrangements, and unique photo spots in the colors of the new season. The Pumpkin Farm is a permanent fixture in Posnania's autumn calendar – this year it's its third edition. The attraction is open to everyone – autumn lovers – and you can take unique photos here.
"Our farm is a great opportunity to slow down for a moment and experience the magic of the 'pumpkin spice' season. Surrounded by hundreds of colorful pumpkins, you can relax, unwind, and enter the new season with a bang. We cordially invite everyone who loves this colorful season as we do. The place is also adapted to the needs of wheelchair users – we want everyone to be able to welcome autumn with us, " says Agnieszka Juszkis, Posnania's marketing director.
We have assured that nothing will be wasted. Last year, after the exhibition ended, the pumpkins were given to animals at the Poznań Zoo. This year, they will once again be donated to animal welfare foundations.
The Pumpkin Farm at the Posnania fountain will be open until the end of October.
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