Poland faces massive waste challenges from All Saints' Day lanterns

In Poland, the annual All Saints' Day tradition generates significant waste. Market data indicates that Poles purchase approximately 300 million grave lanterns (znicze) each year, spending over 700 million PLN. A large portion of this spending occurs in October.

In Warsaw alone, the Municipal Waste Management Company (MPO) estimates that over 100,000 tons of waste are produced in cemeteries following the holiday. The shift from traditional wax and glass to cheaper paraffin and plastic has increased the environmental burden.

There is a growing trend toward electronic alternatives, such as LED and solar-powered lanterns. While these can reduce the frequency of paraffin refills, they present new disposal challenges. Authorities emphasize that solar and LED lanterns, which contain batteries, electrical components, or accumulators, must not be disposed of in regular waste bins and require specialized recycling.