Since January 2025, the fresh rules on the segregation of construction waste have been in force in Poland. significant changes in the organization of renovations. Property owners, construction companies and individuals must comply with requirements that may importantly affect increase in repair costs. The introduction of fresh regulations is part of efforts to increasing recycling of building waste and reducing their environmental impact.
New rules on the segregation of building waste
Under the fresh regulations, all renovation contractors and individuals will be required to segregation of construction waste already at the time of their formation. Waste must be appropriately divided into categories specified as:
- wood,
- glass,
- metal,
- plastic,
- insulating materials (e.g. Styrofoam, mineral wool),
- rubble.
In addition, each repairer will be obliged to conclude a contract with certified waste recipientwho will be liable for their reception and processing. Any entity that carries out the renovation will besides gotta run waste recordsthe quantity and kind of data to be recorded.
These changes are part of the quest for more recycling of construction waste, with a view to reducing waste entering landfills and improving the efficiency of the usage of secondary natural materials.
Experts inform against increased renovation costs
Although changes aim to defend the environment, experts inform that they can significantly increase costs renovations. Piotr Szewczyk, Deputy manager of the Orli Staw plant and president of the Regional Council of Municipal Waste Processing Installations, in an interview with I'm sorry. noted that the introduction of specified regulations has not been adequately planned in the long term. In his opinion, the deficiency of multiannual waste management planning can lead to unexpected costs.
"Unfortunately, we are operating year by year and waste management planning should take place in multiannual cycles. Without this, we have the same surprise effects as for textiles or construction waste," said Szewczyk.
This means that construction companies and repairers will gotta face additional costs related to sorting, transport and treatment of waste. Logistics costs related to the transport of waste to appropriate recycling facilities may affect higher prices of repair serviceswhich will yet burden the pockets of investors.
Processing of construction waste – the main challenge
Although segregation of building waste may seem feasible, the biggest challenge for companies and investors may prove to be Treatment of these wastes. Requirements for the transport of materials to different processing facilities for their recycling increases costs and complicates the process.
According to the regulations, waste must be sent to specialised installations with appropriate permits and certificates. The cost of transport, which will include both local and inter-regional transport, will surely affect the final price of the renovation.
Objective of the fresh regulation: environmental protection
It is worth noting that the main nonsubjective new rules is Environmental protection. Poland, like another European Union countries, is faced with the challenge of reducing the amount of construction waste entering landfills. In 2021 Poland produced around 10 million tonnes of construction wasteof which only 40% have been recycled.
The European Union sets ambitious targets for associate States to increase waste recycling, with a affirmative impact on reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and improving the efficiency of the usage of natural resources. Poland, which introduces these changes comparatively late, tries to adapt to EU requirements.
Increase in renovation costs and the construction market
The increase in costs associated with the fresh regulations raises serious concerns among investors. expanding expenditure on segregation, transport and waste treatment will affect prices of construction services and repair. In particular, this will apply individual investorswho will be forced to bear additional costs associated with the fresh responsibilities.
Experts indicate that an introduction may be essential support for recycling companies and tax breaks for investorsto minimise the negative effects of fresh legislation. It will besides be crucial to supply adequate infrastructure to enable efficient and efficient treatment of construction waste.
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New renovation regulations. You'll gotta pay an extra fee
