Poland revises waste management laws and collection rules

A revised draft of the waste management act in Poland introduces several changes for municipalities, residents, and waste companies. The new proposal abandons the requirement for large municipalities to establish new selective waste collection points (PSZOKs), replacing it with a mandate for additional waste collections at least twice a year.

The amendment also removes the plan to link a portion of waste fees to the mass of waste produced at specific properties. Instead, it focuses on differentiating rates and refining settlements during property ownership changes. To help Poland meet EU recycling targets—which require 55% by 2025 and 60% by 2030, compared to the 34% achieved in 2023—the project introduces stricter segregation controls and new reporting obligations for waste companies.

Regarding individual costs, certain residents may be eligible for relief. For example, seniors living in unoccupied premises (due to hospital stays, sanatorium visits, or temporary relocation) may apply to suspend waste collection fees. This requires notifying the municipality and updating waste declarations, as local authorities may verify claims through utility consumption data.