Waste management in a company is not only a legal obligation, but also part of a responsible approach to environmental protection. According to the Waste Act of 14 December 2012, waste is any substance or object which the holder disposes of, intends to dispose of or is obliged to dispose of. Waste is generated both in households (municipal waste) and as a result of economic activities (industrial waste). Importantly, municipal waste is not only generated by households - it can also come from businesses, offices or institutions if their composition and nature are similar, such as packaging waste, paper or plastics. In order to effectively manage waste in a company, the so-called waste hierarchy must be followed. Prevention comes first, followed by preparation for reuse, recycling, other forms of recovery (e.g. energy recovery) and, finally, disposal. It is worth asking yourself at every stage of your business: is it possible to reduce the amount of waste you produce, reuse it or recycle it? Appropriate actions reduce both costs and the negative impact on the environment.
How to correctly classify and record waste according to BDO regulations?
Correct waste classification and segregation is also crucial. Waste is divided into ordinary waste - such as paper, glass, plastics - and hazardous waste, which contains harmful substances, e.g. used oils, solvents, batteries, chemicals, paints. Each type of waste should be assigned a corresponding waste code according to the waste catalogue. The waste can be generated in the installation, i.e. as part of an organised process (e.g. production or cleaning), or outside the installation - for example during renovation, office work or service activities. This distinction affects how they are recorded in the BDO system. The obligation to correctly classify, record and transfer waste to authorised recipients rests with the waste producer. A generator is any entity whose activities lead to the creation of waste, as well as anyone who pre-treats, mixes or otherwise changes the properties of waste. Waste records should be kept by means of, inter alia, a waste record card and a waste transfer card (KPO), and the data must be registered in the BDO system - Waste Database. All entrepreneurs generating waste are obliged to register with BDO.
Simplified waste registration 2024 - who can benefit from it and under what conditions?
For certain types of waste it is possible to keep simplified waste records. According to the Regulation of the Minister of Climate and Environment of 5 November 2024, this mainly applies to waste with low environmental risk, generated in small quantities. However, it should be borne in mind that exemption from full record-keeping does not mean the absence of obligations - it is necessary to determine the type of waste, assign a waste code, keep a BDO register and hand over the waste to an authorised recipient. Simplified record-keeping is a formal simplification, but not an exemption from liability. It is also worth knowing that some waste, e.g. wooden pallets, can be handed over to individuals or organisations that are not businesses, who will use them for their own purposes. This possibility is set out in the Regulation of the Minister of the Environment of 10 November 2015 and can significantly improve the management of certain materials in a company.
Obligation to submit waste reports to BDO - deadlines, scope, responsibility
An important element of waste management is also the reporting obligation. Every company generating waste is obliged to submit annual reports on products, packaging and waste management, as well as on the amount of waste generated and how it is managed. It is worth emphasising that the waste report should include the actual amount of waste generated and not the amount transferred to the recipient. This is a common mistake that can lead to irregularities in the BDO system and potential sanctions. The report should take into account the entire waste cycle - from generation to storage to transfer for recycling, recovery or disposal. The documents should be submitted by 15 March each year for the previous year, to the marshal of the province with jurisdiction over the place of waste generation or processing.
Reliable waste recording and reporting builds a sustainable and compliant business
Awareness of regulations, keeping reliable records, reporting in the BDO system and responsible waste transfer are not only statutory obligations, but above all signs of responsible and professional company management. Efficient waste management in a company not only allows it to comply with legal requirements, but also supports environmental protection and strengthens the image of a modern, sustainable business.
