A Recycling Zone has been launched at Galeria Północna in Warsaw, developed jointly by Carrefour Polska, ZEME and GTC, in cooperation with deposit system operator Kaucja.pl. It is the first location in Poland where consumers can quickly and conveniently return all major fractions of household waste for professional processing: deposit packaging (PET bottles and metal cans), small household appliances, electronics, textiles, batteries, books and toys.
The Recycling Zone is an easily scalable solution designed to actively engage Polish consumers in circular economy initiatives. It also presents a model approach for shopping centres, offering customers one convenient, accessible location for returning both deposit and non-deposit packaging.
On 15 January, Galeria Północna inaugurated the first Recycling Zone on the Polish market – a space intended to encourage Warsaw residents to return household waste, both items covered by the new deposit system, such as PET bottles and metal cans, and those subject to mandatory or forthcoming selective collection regulations. The Zone already accepts small household and consumer electronics, textiles including clothing and footwear, as well as batteries, books and toys.
The project’s objective is to simplify everyday environmentally responsible practices for residents of large and medium-sized Polish cities in the area of household waste management. Instead of searching for multiple collection points, customers can now return all eligible waste in one place while visiting the shopping centre.
The Recycling Zone is located in the underground car park of Galeria Północna (level -2). It features seven dedicated waste inlets – one for each fraction – including two reverse vending machines responsible for accepting deposit packaging and refunding deposits. To further enhance convenience, the organisers have designated two clearly marked parking spaces (ReTurn & DRIVE) to facilitate easy transport and return of waste. Customers simply load the waste into their car, drive to Galeria Północna, park in the green spaces marked with a large “T” next to the Recycling Zone and place the items in the appropriate labelled inlet.
Kaucja.pl is responsible for collecting deposit packaging as the official deposit system operator, while ZEME manages the processing of the remaining waste fractions. The collection of textiles, books and toys is implemented in line with current and upcoming extended producer responsibility regulations, applicable, among others, to Carrefour Polska in relation to its private-label products.
The Recycling Zone at Galeria Północna also demonstrates the evolving role of shopping centres, which are transforming from retail, entertainment and service destinations into comprehensive hubs supporting local communities. The initiative further improves operational convenience for tenants by taking over, in cooperation with the centre’s main grocery operator, the complex responsibilities related to the collection, storage and return of deposit packaging. This is made possible through a “collection on behalf” model developed by Carrefour in the Polish market.
“The Recycling Zone at Galeria Północna demonstrates how GTC, as an owner and manager of commercial real estate, responds to tangible ESG expectations. We want our properties not only to meet applicable standards, but also to actively support the circular economy and address the needs of local communities. We are confident that the project delivered at Galeria Północna will serve as a benchmark for the market. Together with our partners, we are creating a solution that will make everyday life easier for the residents of Białołęka, strengthen environmental awareness and help increase recycling rates,” said Agnieszka Ciupak, Managing Director of GTC in Poland.
The Recycling Zone operates seven days a week during the opening hours of Galeria Północna. The official opening was held under the patronage of Polska Rada Centrów Handlowych and Forum Odpowiedzialnego Biznesu.