Nearly half of all municipal waste disposed of in the „black bag” should not end up in it at all, according to an analysis we conducted in cooperation with the Częstochowa University of Technology as part of the UNEP/GRID-Warsaw Climate Leadership programme. The study covered mixed municipal waste from various Polish installations. The aim was to qualitatively analyse the residual fraction and, based on this, identify product groups that could be included in the ROP system.

Field surveys at MBP facilities best source of waste stream data

Extended producer responsibility and how to implement it in Polish conditions are currently among the most popular topics of discussion in the environmental industry. While producer representatives and recycling and waste management experts debated the most favourable shape of the ROP system in Poland, we we rolled up our sleeves and examined the direction in which the national ROP model could develop.

The latest report prepared by the scientific community in cooperation with Interzero provides only hard data - not from declarations or anonymous surveys, but... from real bags of waste collected from residents. Thorough manual analysis of the so-called „black bag”, i.e. mixed municipal waste, The survey allowed us to check what actually ends up in the residual fraction. We conducted it on samples of waste from urban and urban-rural areas, delivered to five installations during the spring and summer:

• Częstochowa Municipal Corporation Ltd. (CzPK),
• Orli Staw Municipal Waste Disposal Plant,
• Municipal Utilities Company in Katowice,
• Przedsiębiorstwo Gospodarki Komunalnej Sp. z o.o. in Radomsko,
• MASTER - Waste and Energy Sp. z o.o. in Tychy.

At each installation, we conducted the survey twice, at different times of waste import. Taken from the plate of the sorting plant waste samples were manually sorted, separated into material fractions and then weighed. Each time, the research team paid particular attention to items of a specific nature, regardless of whether their presence in the „black bag” was in accordance with the principles of selective waste collection (JSSO).

Expectations versus reality - what are we really throwing into the black bag?

The „black bag” analysis report reveals what many people would rather not admit - the quality of separate municipal waste collection still leaves much to be desired. After adding up the data collected in the course of the survey, it turned out that as much as 42% by weight of mixed waste are the raw material fractions, of which:

• plastics - 20%,
• paper - 6%,
• bio-waste - 5%,
• glass - 4%,
• aluminium - 2%.

Due to the large amount of unidentified waste contaminated with wet fraction, the actual share of plastics in the mixed waste stream may be even higher.

The remainder of the sample analysed was:

• Wet fraction (biowaste and unidentified mixed waste) - 46%,
• hygiene waste (e.g. nappies) - 5%,
• Textiles - 5%,
• building and renovation materials - 4%,
• wood - 1%,
• highlighted items - 2%,
• packaged food scraps, medical waste, toys, hairdressing mix - less than 1% for each fraction.

The exact material composition of each sample tested can be found in the test report.

Effective ROP needed now

On the basis of an analysis of the data obtained, together with experts from the Częstochowa University of Technology and UNEP/GRID-Warsaw, we have identified several product categories which should be covered by the extended producer liability scheme in Poland:

• disposable hygiene products (nappies, sanitary towels, tampons, sanitary pads and other disposable beauty/spa products) as a group of waste with low recycling potential and high management costs,
• children's toys and accessories (including sports, beach and vehicle accessories) as products for which no end-of-life management is foreseen,
• disposable medical products (gloves, masks, syringes, needles, other medical devices),
• products generating dust and ash (e.g. solid fuels),
• clothing and textiles.

In developing the recommendations, we drew on the experience of other EU countries that have long had extensive ROP systems in place. Of particular importance was the analysis of the French EPR system including, among others, clothing and home textiles, toys, sports and leisure items and disposable hygiene products.

The study of the morphology of „black bag” waste also provided an opportunity to verify the effectiveness of the Polish ROP system, in which producers failing to achieve minimum recycling or recovery levels are obliged to pay a product fee. After analysing the data, we formulated a list of products for which it would be advisable to revise the regulations and fee rates. It featured:

• used tyres,
• small-scale electro-waste (mainly electronic toys, light bulbs and small electrical and electronic equipment),
• packaging for oils, paints and chemicals,
• multi-material packaging and difficult to recycle (e.g. multilayer films, sachets).

According to Przemysław Kuna, Team Leader in the Waste Management Competence Center Interzero team, who took part in the fieldwork:

In the course of the research work and the analysis of the results of the report, it became evident that for the individual fractions, the implementation or strengthening of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) funding should be considered accordingly. Mixed waste is a source of materials that can still be recycled and used, the ROP needs to support these activities on many levels, not only financial and organisational, but also educational and communication.

Orientations for further regulatory and operational activities

The results of the survey indicate that the scale of the problem requires action beyond separate collection alone waste. Due to the high share of plastics (including packaging) in the mixed waste stream, we recommend that the planned ROP system for packaging should include funding for the separate collection and the cleaning of this fraction. A necessary element of such a ROP should be ecomodulation of charges rewarding packaging that is easy to empty and clearly labelled.

It is also necessary to development and implementation of a strategy to reduce the proportion of „wet fraction” in the municipal waste stream. The strategy would include both communication and education aspects, as well as presupposing a review of the scope and effectiveness of existing measures under the anti-waste legislation.

Parallel to system changes, care should be taken to educate the public on the principles of sorting all fractions of municipal waste. This is because the report has brought to light a number of undesirable practices that lead to losses of raw materials and increase waste management costs. The samples analysed revealed, among other things:

• large quantities of green waste,
• food packed in plastic bags,
• out-of-date packaged food,
• products packed repeatedly in thin plastic bags,
• construction waste, medical waste, hazardous waste (including packaging of hazardous substances) and textiles.

It is therefore necessary to continue carrying out environmental education activitiesof which raising awareness on proper waste management and information on the availability of alternative reusable products.

The observations, recommendations and conclusions contained in the report will form the basis for further educational, regulatory and strategic activities by Interzero and UNEP/GRID-Warsaw.

On the occasion of Christmas and the upcoming New Year, we would like to wish you warm wishes.

May this festive season bring you peace, rest and joy with your loved ones. We also wish you health, prosperity and success in the coming year, both in your professional and private lives.

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

Best wishes from the Interzero Group in Poland

For us, the certificate is confirmation that, as an organisation we are moving in the right direction - we are creating a workplace that focuses on people, their potential and opportunities for development. It is also a signal to candidates that we are the right employer for talent: ambitious people who want to grow with us, pursue their professional passions and have a real impact on the company's development.

View certificate >>

Many thanks to all Employees for taking part in the survey and the impressive turnout - 83%!

Your voices are the most valuable guidance for us. Thanks to your openness, we can design activities that respond to real needs and support the creation of an open and inspiring working environment.

This accolade is not only something to be proud of - it is also a commitment. Further challenges ahead, because we want to consistently develop the initiatives we have started and strengthen our organisational culture.

Thank you for your trust, energy and daily commitment.

Thanks to you, we can proudly wear the title of „Investor in Human Capital” - and together build a company that attracts talent, inspires and gives space for development.

Interzero management in Poland

Information about the day off

On 10 November 2025, by decision of the Board of Directors, the Interzero offices will be closed.

We apologise for any inconvenience.

• Date: 20.11.2025.
• Form: online
• Participation: free of charge (registration required)ð

Scope:

During the meeting, our expert Paweł Sosnowski, Board Representative for Environmental Regulation, will discuss:

1. Definitions of packaging under the current Polish Packaging and Packaging Waste Management Act.
2. Definitions of packaging and the provisions of the PPWR.
3. Examples of products that meet or do not meet the definition of packaging.
4. Multi-material packaging. Standard EN 13429:2004 "Packaging - Multiple use".
5. Multi-material packaging versus composite packaging - the current definition and the definition established by the PPWR.

Packaging classification and PPWR

Regulation PPWR is a key element of the EU's strategy for a circular economy. It introduces uniform rules for all Member States on the design, labelling, reuse and recycling of packaging. For companies, this means that they need to re-examine which products actually meet the definition of packaging and what obligations result from this.

During the webinar, we will show how to prepare for these changes and how to interpret the new regulations in practice to avoid errors in classification and reporting.

You are welcome to register

Our solution addresses the real challenges facing businesses today - from complex legal obligations to the need to realistically support the goals of the Closed-loop Economy (GOZ).

The genesis of innovation: Responding to a market gap

The impetus for the platform was the rapidly increasing complexity of legal obligations that have fallen on businesses - including those related to the Waste Data Base (BDO) system and Waste Transfer Cards (KPOs).

As he explains Aleksandra Mikiel, Head of Digital Solutions and Transformation at Interzero:

"In the retail sector, in retail chains or in manufacturing plants, where we have to deal with many branches, this complexity becomes a real operational brake and a significant administrative cost. (...) The market was lacking such a comprehensive system. The Interzero Waste Platform is our answer to this gap - a tool that ensures compliance, maximum efficiency and allows companies to focus on what they do best: their business."

Key features that change the rules of the game

The Interzero platform goes beyond the role of a passive inventory system. It is an active, integrated tool that combines logistics, record-keeping and advanced reporting.

On behalf of Interzero, the award was received by: Aleksandra Mikiel - Head of Digital Solutions and Transformation and Agata Ryś - Member of the Management Board of Interzero. Interzero would also like to thank all the staff involved in the project - in particular Aleksandra Mikiel and Monika Szychulska, Digital Solutions Project Manager, for her work in creating and continuously developing the Platform system.

This award is a strong motivator for us to continue developing innovative solutions in the spirit of sustainability. We encourage you to visit the platform's website and find out more - click here and find out how your company can benefit.

Are you interested in using the Waste Platform for your company? Get in touch with us! Write to us at platformaodpadowa@interzero.pl and test our tool.

Initiative Mazovian Voivodeship Self-Government, aims to improve the competence of educational staff in the field of the Closed-loop Economy (CEE).

The project responds to the growing importance of environmental education and is part of our mission to build a sustainable future through the implementation of systemic solutions.

We invite you to participate in free training

As part of the 'Education of the Ecocircular' project, we are launching enrolment for the following activities. Interzero is responsible for obtaining participants.

• Training for Teachers

5 online trainings (each lasting a minimum of 90 minutes) dedicated to teachers of schools and kindergartens from the Mazovian Voivodeship, aimed at preparing them to teach GOZ.

Register for the free training "Educating the Ecocircular" and become a change leader! - Fill in the form

• Executive Training

4 online training courses (each lasting a minimum of 90 minutes) for principals and deputy principals, focusing on the practical aspects of implementing circular projects in educational establishments.

Register for the free training "Educating the Ecocircular" and become a change leader! - Fill in the form

The partnership with the Mazovian Voivodeship Government is an important distinction for us and confirms our confidence in Interzero's competence and experience in the field of environmental education.

It is an interactive space where, through play and experience, the youngest children (from the age of 5) learn how to take care of the environment in a simple way. The exhibition shows that environmentalism is not about sacrifices, but about everyday, clever choices that each of us can implement in our own homes.

What awaits visitors

In the EcoExperimentarium, visitors move into a model flat:

• in the living room catch 'energy vampires' who devour electricity,
• in the bathroom discover how to save up to 700 litres of water a week,
• in the kitchen, they learn how to segregate waste properly,
• In the bedroom, they reflect on why it makes sense to have less stuff.

It's a place where fun meets learning, and where children and adults can feel that their everyday decisions really do matter.

Interzero again as patron of the exhibition

Interzero has once again become a partner of the EcoExperimentarium.

As Katarzyna Kacz, Project Manager CSR and Environmental Education, points out:

"For years, we have been supporting the EcoExperimentarium exhibition, which shows children how to take care of the environment every day in an engaging way. In the kitchen, of which we are a partner, we teach that waste does not magically disappear from the cupboard under the sink - its proper segregation has a real impact on our world."

Through such partnerships, the EcoExperimentarium inspires the next generation to live consciously in the spirit of zero waste and sustainability.

When and where

Place: Centre for Ecological Education, 3a/3 Papyrus Street, Warsaw

Deadline: 16 October - 28 November 2025.

Admission: free

Visiting hours: Monday - Friday: 9:00, 11:00, 13:00 - organised groups

Advance registration is required - places are limited.

The EcoExperimentarium has already been visited by more than 60,000 people in 17 Polish cities, including Łódź, Wrocław, Krakow and Poznań. This proves that environmental education through play really works.

Come, experience, see how you can be eco - and be inspired to take action in your home.

You are cordially invited!

With 'Fit for Recycling', Interzero is introducing a new service that enables companies across Europe to obtain a reliable, practical and cost-effective assessment of the recyclability of their packaging. The procedure is based on an analysis of packaging specifications, complemented by laboratory tests carried out at Interzero's Competence Centre for Recycled Plastics, and provides clear results in a recyclability report, including a PPWR classification.

The launch comes at a crucial time: as part of the planned Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), the European Union will significantly tighten the requirements for recyclable packaging. From 2030, only packaging that meets certain recycling criteria can be put on the market. Germany has been a pioneer in this field for years - Interzero actively contributes its long-standing expertise to European committees and discussions. The laboratory-tested "Made for Recycling" methodology offers a scientific test that analyses the packaging under realistic conditions. Packaging that passes this procedure can carry the "Made for Recycling" seal - a visible seal of quality that provides clear guidance for retailers and consumers alike. "Fit for Recycling" now gives manufacturers and distributors an additional, practice-oriented assessment tool. It clearly indicates whether and to what extent their packaging already meets future regulatory requirements - and at the same time highlights concrete optimisation potential for the further development of packaging design.

How "Fit for Recycling" works

1. Companies send Interzero packaging samples, the relevant specification and a completed checklist with all relevant information.
2. Experts examine the packaging on the basis of specifications and an information sheet, supplemented by laboratory analyses of key packaging parameters.
3. The results are presented in an easy-to-understand report - along with a PPWR-compliant classification.

Practical support for PPWR compliance

"With Fit for Recycling, we offer companies an uncomplicated way to check their packaging for PPWR compliance in a timely manner." - Jonathan Scheck, packaging engineer at Interzero, explains. "Our customers benefit from reliable analysis based on actual packaging specifications and supported by laboratory data - fast, reliable and practice-oriented."

Media contact:

Corporate Communications Interzero
Christina Bunnenberg
Tel: +49 151 72476504
presse@interzero.de