Who can benefit from the exemption from garbage removal charges

Disposal fees are an expanding burden on Polish households, especially in the face of rising inflation and waste disposal costs. In consequence to these challenges, many municipalities offer various forms of support to reduce these costs or completely exempt from fees. Who can benefit from the allowance in 2024? What are the rates and legal bases governing these issues? We supply detailed information.

Waste Charges 2024: Who Are They Concerning?

Municipal waste management charges are mandatory for all property owners, both physical and legal, where waste is generated. This work concerns, inter alia:

• Property owners – single-family houses, multi-family housing.
• Renters – renters besides gotta pay fees, although they are frequently included in the rent.
• Real property managers – e.g. housing cooperatives, communities that are obliged to declare and pay.
• Entrepreneurs – persons engaged in economical activities which make municipal waste.
• Recreational property owners – even during seasonal use.

The rules on fees vary according to the municipality, so it is worth checking local regulations to find out about available reductions and discounts.

Legal basis: Who sets the fees?

The legal basis governing the fees for the export of waste is the Act of 13 September 1996 on the maintenance of cleanliness and order in municipalities (Journal of Laws 2023, item 1469 as amended).

The key provisions of that Act specify:

• Obligation of municipalities – organising a waste management strategy and setting fees.
• Obligation of property owners – payment of fees which are determined by the municipal council on the basis of certain criteria (number of persons, area of dwelling, amount of water used).
• Resolutions of municipal councils – regulating circumstantial rates, deadlines and possible exemptions.

Failure to comply with the work to pay may lead to administrative execution.

Examples of garbage charges in 2024

The rates for waste disposal in Poland vary importantly depending on the location. For example:

• Warsaw: The household fee in the single-family building is PLN 91 (after a 15% simplification from PLN 107) and in the multi-local building 60 PLN (a 30% discount from PLN 85).
• Katowice: Residents will pay PLN 35.20 for segregated waste and PLN 70.40 for unsegregated waste.
• Kraków: The rate for segregated waste is PLN 27 per individual per period and for unsegregated PLN 54.
• Radom: In the building, the single household fee will increase to PLN 41 for single-person farms and PLN 78 for multi-person farms.

Who can be exempt from charges?

Exemptions from garbage charges may be full or partial and their granting depends on the decision of the local authorities. For example:

• Multi-children – with the large household Card they can number on discounts.
• Seniors and Singles – municipalities can offer discounts for people with low incomes or single households.
• Low income people – municipalities may grant exemptions or reduced fees on a material basis.
• Non-residential property – owners who make a tiny amount of waste may be subject to discounts.

Examples of exemptions and discounts in selected cities

Białystok

• Exemptions for households with income entitling to social assistance benefits. The income for the single individual is presently PLN 1010 and in the household PLN 823 per person. The exemption is 40% of monthly fees.
• Multi-children can benefit from a 50% discount, and owners of single-family houses composting biowaste are subject to discounts.

Katowice

• Multi-children with the large household Card can number on a 20% simplification in municipal waste charges, subject to segregation.

Gdynia

• Since 2024, Gdynia pays PLN 5 little per period for the removal of garbage. In addition, owners of single-family houses that compost biowaste receive a relief of PLN 10 per month.

Gliwice

• Residents who are 60 years of age, with low incomes, can apply for cash benefits for backing for municipal waste management charges. Applications shall be examined individually, taking into account circumstantial cases.

How do I benefit from my parole?

In order to apply for a garbage discount, you should:

1. Download the corresponding form from the municipal office or its website.
2. Complete the form, including the required papers proving compliance with the conditions.
3. Make an application in person, by post or electronically via the ePUAP platform.

Rising garbage charges in 2024

Increases in waste disposal fees in Poland are inevitable. They are mainly due to inflation and the increase in transport and disposal costs. In addition, low competition in the municipal waste marketplace and expanding waste generation contribute to further price increases.

Summary

Garbage charges are a crucial burden for many households in Poland. Fortunately, many municipalities offer different forms of support, including discounts and fee exemptions. In order to benefit from specified reliefs, it is worth to read the local regulations carefully and make appropriate requests.

Daniel Głogowski

Expert in his field – Publicist, author and social activist. The first articles were published in 1999 for global publishers. For more than 30 years, he has gained his experience through cooperation with the largest editorial offices. In his articles, he seeks to address controversial topics and present first viewpoints that allowed for a deeper knowing of the issues discussed.