DZP advises Eko-Operator in a process to obtain a permit to operate a deposit scheme

DZP has advised Eko-Operator in a process to obtain a permit to operate a deposit scheme. Under a decision issued by the Minister of Climate and the Environment on 28 August 2024, DZP's client became the fourth operator of this scheme in Poland, appointed by REMONDIS Polska, a provider of recycling, municipal and water management services on the Polish market since 1992.

Among its responsibilities as a deposit scheme operator, Eko-Operator lists the collection of packaging for recycling, the transport of waste to collection centres and recovery and recycling facilities, the clearing of deposits, the financing of deposit payments to end users, and the financing of the costs of collecting packaging and packaging waste by outlets covered by the scheme.

The deposit scheme will apply in Poland from 1 January 2025. Its implementation is based on the so-called Deposit Act of 13 July 2023 under which a deposit will be charged on the sale of glass bottles, metal cans and plastic beverage bottles, which will be returned to end users without them having to show proof of purchase. The deposit scheme will cover the entire country.

The client was advised by lawyers in DZP’s environmental protection team, Daniel Chojnacki, Partner and head of the team, together with Klaudia Skubiszak and Mateusz Glinka.