Poland develops new packaging waste and EPR legislation

The Polish Ministry of Climate and Environment is developing a new legislative project regarding packaging and packaging waste to implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). This initiative aims to align Polish law with European Union directives, specifically addressing the principle that the polluter pays.

Under the proposed framework, the current system—where municipal waste collection costs are largely borne by residents regardless of their individual waste production—would be fundamentally restructured. The new legislation proposes a fixed packaging fee paid by producers for every kilogram of packaging introduced to the market. This fee would be set administratively via ministerial regulation.

The National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management (NFOŚiGW) is expected to serve as the central administrator for the funds collected through these packaging fees. While the project has received support from many local governments, it has faced criticism from some business organizations that view the measure as a new tax. The legislation remains in the consultation and analysis phase.