In January 2025, Poland will introduce mandatory segregation of textile waste, changing the diametric way of reasoning about clothing waste. According to data provided by the Climate Minister Anita Sowińska, the average European buys about 26 kilograms of clothing per year, of which 87 percent goes to the landfill or incinerator. The fresh government is to radically change the situation.
Introduction of selective textile waste collection points (PPZOK)
The municipalities will be required to establish separate collection points for textile waste (PSZOK) which will be utilized to collect and process textile waste. However, there are already doubts about their availability. The problem is illustrated by the situation in Lower Silesia, where the withdrawal of PVC containers for clothing importantly made it hard for residents to dispose of unnecessary clothes.
Extended maker Responsibility
The European Union is working on the introduction of Extended maker Responsibility, which will force manufacturers to bear the costs of processing utilized clothing. These changes may affect the prices of fresh clothes, but are intended to contribute to a more sustainable textile economy.
Impact on purchasing habits
The introduction of fresh regulations may importantly affect the purchasing habits of Poles. The awareness of the request to decently dispose of clothing may lead consumers to more thoughtful purchases and longer usage of their clothes. This can lead to the improvement of the clothing repair marketplace and the increasing popularity of second-hands and clothing exchange platforms.
Social inequality
New regulations can besides deepen social inequalities. The limited availability of PESCOs and the uncomfortable beginning times of them can be a peculiar challenge for those working and surviving in agrarian areas. There is simply a hazard that any of the public, incapable to adapt to the fresh requirements, will be subject to financial penalties, which may further burden home budgets.
System and informal textile circulation
The strategy may besides lead to an informal textile circulation. Faced with hard access to collection points and threats of advanced penalties, any residents may search alternative, not always legal ways to dispose of clothing. This in turn can lead to illegal landfills and social conflicts associated with enforcement of the fresh rules.
Current data
According to GUS data, in 2020 Poland generated 1.3 million tons of textile waste, of which only 12% was processed. The value of the marketplace for the acquisition and processing of textile waste in Poland is estimated at PLN 1.5 billion.
Conclusion
The introduction of mandatory segregation of textile waste is simply a step towards a more sustainable textile economy. However, in order for this strategy to function effectively, it is essential to guarantee the availability of PESCOs and to take educational action towards society. Otherwise, this can lead to social inequality and the formation of informal textile circulation.
Read more:
Textile challenges: Poles before mandatory waste segregation
