Waste collection rules changing in Polish municipalities

Waste collection rules are changing in several Polish municipalities to meet European Union recycling targets and manage rising costs. In the Mucharz municipality, starting November 1, 2026, certain waste types will no longer be collected directly from residential properties. Residents will be required to transport bulky waste, green waste, and textiles to a Selective Municipal Waste Collection Point (PSZOK).

This decision follows a significant increase in waste volumes, with bulky waste rising by approximately 55 percent and green waste by 33 percent. Local authorities stated that these changes aim to control system costs and prevent fee increases through the end of 2026.

Broader changes are also expected by January 1, 2027, as municipalities prepare for stricter EU recycling mandates. To reach the required 60 percent recycling rate by 2030, some regions are introducing new waste fractions, such as grey bags for specific materials, to separate textiles and other items from mixed and bio-waste. Failure to comply with these new segregation rules may result in increased waste collection fees.