In Poland, the law on waste management was promulgated on December 14, 2012. Its purpose is to protect the environment, human life and health, standardize waste generation and management activities, and improve the efficiency of resource utilization. Its main content covers all aspects of waste management, including definitions, classification, treatment principles, supervision measures, etc.
1. General Provisions
Scope of Application and Exclusion Clauses:
It clarifies that the law applies to waste management - related activities and stipulates substances or situations that are not applicable to this law, such as specific gases, soil, radioactive waste, etc.
Explanation of Terms:
More than 50 professional terms such as biological waste, waste management, and recycling are defined to provide a unified standard for the implementation of the law.
Waste Classification and Status Change:
Waste is classified based on sources, hazardous characteristics, etc. The conditions and procedures for changing the classification of hazardous waste are specified, as well as the conditions for an item or substance to be recognized as a by - product and to lose its waste status.
2. General Principles of Waste Management
Protection of Humans and the Environment:
It requires waste management activities to ensure the health and safety of human life and the environment, and prevent harm to water, air, soil, etc.
Management Priority Order:
A hierarchical order of waste management is established, which is, in sequence, prevention of generation, preparation for reuse, recycling, other recycling methods, and harmless treatment.
Proximity Principle:
Waste should be processed at the place of generation as a priority. If it cannot be processed there, it should be transported to the nearest suitable location. There are geographical restrictions on the treatment and transportation of specific wastes.
Hazardous Waste Treatment:
The mixing of hazardous waste is restricted. In special cases, safety conditions need to be met, and if the mixture meets the requirements, it should be separated.
Cost Bearing:
The costs of waste management are borne by the original generator, the current or previous holder. Under specific circumstances, they are borne by the product producer or importer.
3. Waste Management Plan:
National and provincial waste management plans are developed. The planning content includes current situation analysis, forecasts, goal - setting, action directions, implementation plans, etc. The plans need to be updated regularly and evaluated.
4. Waste Management Permits and Registration
Permit System:
Collection and treatment of waste require corresponding permits. The issuing authorities, application conditions, procedures, as well as the validity period, changes, and revocation of permits are clearly defined.
Registration System:
The voivode is responsible for managing relevant registrations. The subjects to be registered, registration information, procedures, as well as registration fees, changes, and cancellations are specified.
5. Waste Record - Keeping and Reporting
Record - Keeping Obligations:
Some waste holders are required to record the quantity and quality of waste. The documents used for recording, storage period, and access requirements are clearly defined.
Reporting Obligations:
Specific entities are required to submit annual reports. The content involves information on products, packaging, waste management, etc. The reporting time, method, and review requirements are specified.
6. Regulations on the Management of Special Wastes:
Special requirements and restrictions on the treatment, storage, and transportation of special wastes such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and PCB - containing wastes, waste oils, medical and veterinary wastes, and sewage sludge are respectively stipulated.
7. Requirements for the Waste Treatment Process
Landfill:
Provisions are made for landfill sites, landfilled waste, and the management of the landfill process, covering aspects such as site selection, construction, operation, monitoring, and closure.
Heat Treatment:
It is stipulated that waste heat treatment can only be carried out in specific facilities. There are requirements for the qualifications of facility operators, and regulations are made for safety, environmental protection, and quality control during the treatment process.
8. Administrative and Legal Liabilities
Administrative Tasks and Procedures:
Some administrative tasks of the provincial government in waste management are clarified, and it is stipulated that the decision - making procedures for some waste management are not applicable to the general administrative procedure law.
Penalty Provisions:
Criminal and administrative fine penalty measures are formulated for violations of waste management regulations. The penalty standards, enforcement agencies, and penalty procedures are clearly defined.
9. Amendments to Relevant Laws and Transitional Provisions:
Multiple relevant laws are amended to be consistent with this law. During the transitional period, the validity and adjustment requirements of permits obtained and plans developed under the old laws are stipulated.