Polish Government Delays Extended Producer Responsibility Bill Amid Industry Opposition

The draft law on Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging (UC100) remains stalled in Poland’s cabinet. While the Ministry of Climate and Environment has submitted a revised version to the Economic Committee of the Council of Ministers, it has not yet reached the Committee for European Affairs, delaying any further parliamentary progress.

A controversial amendment allowing the incineration of recyclable waste has drawn criticism from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and from industry groups, who argue it could raise producers’ costs by 5‑20 % and push food prices higher. The proposed model would shift waste‑handling responsibilities to the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management, replacing the current competitive system. Analysts warn this centralisation may increase fees, reduce recycling efficiency, and ultimately transfer higher costs to consumers across food, cosmetics and household products.