The change that will affect all entrepreneurs entered in the BDO register is the increase in the annual and registration fee . It is dictated by, among other things, the growing costs of maintaining, running and developing BDO.

From 2025 BDO fee rates will be:

• PLN 200 for micro-entrepreneurs (increase from PLN 100),
• PLN 800 for other entrepreneurs (increase from PLN 300).

Let us remind you that the deadline for paying the annual fee for a given calendar year expires at the end of February - in 2025 it will be February 28. The annual fee must be paid in the new amount by that date.

Learn more about BDO fee increases in 2025.

From 2025 an obligation to keep records of all hazardous waste generated by entrepreneurs will be introduced. This means that the previously applicable exemptions will disappear , which were eagerly used by entities generating small amounts of hazardous waste, including beauticians and hairdressers. Entrepreneurs running beauty and hairdressing salons can order registration in BDO Interzero - quickly, conveniently and 100% online.

You can read more about the new obligations of the beauty industry in the article: Beauty and hairdressing salons with the obligation to register with the BDO>>.

The obligation to record will cover hazardous waste with the following codes:

• 3 02 08* Other engine, gear and lubricating oils,
• 15 01 10* Packaging containing residues of or contaminated with hazardous substances,
• ex 15 01 11* Metal packaging containing hazardous porous reinforcements other than those of asbestos, including empty pressure containers,
• 16 02 13* Discarded equipment containing hazardous components other than those mentioned in 16 02 09 to 16 02 12,
• 16 06 03* Batteries containing mercury.

Do you produce such hazardous waste? Check if you need to register your company with BDO in 2025!

From January 2025, the obligation to segregate construction and demolition waste into 6 fractions will come into force . The latest change, however, is the departure from the requirement to ensure segregation of R&D waste at the place of its generation - . the entrepreneur will be able to transfer the obligation to segregate it to another entity with appropriate permits and entries in the BDO, provided that an appropriate agreement is signed.

In the previous version of the regulations, the legislator obliged every producer of construction and demolition waste to segregate it at source. As a result of the amendment to the Waste Act, the possibility of segregating waste outside the place of its generation was introduced, but it did not release the entrepreneur from the responsibility for ensuring the implementation of this obligation.

Learn about the new rules for managing construction and demolition waste in 2025.

In 2025. it will not be possible to issue DPR and EDPR documents in the BDO system . The introduction of the Confirmation Module, which was to enable the digital generation of these documents, has been postponed until 1 January 2027. From that date, entrepreneurs will be able to electronically issue DPRs and EDPRs for packaging and products, as well as certificates for electrical and electronic equipment and batteries and accumulators.

In 2025-2026, recycling confirmation documents will continue to be issued in paper form .

From 2025, the limits for spending funds from the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management for purposes related to the operation of BDO will be raised . This is to ensure further, trouble-free access to BDO, as well as to maintain the current level of cybersecurity and finance the development of the system.

Moreover, revenues from registration fees and annual fees for entry in the BDO will be a direct income of the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management.

Only 8% of independent introducers achieved the minimum statutory recycling levels in 2022 - according to the IOŚ-PIB report Packaging and packaging waste management in Poland in 2022. In the same period, recovery organisations achieved or even exceeded the annual recycling levels for all types of packaging waste.

Among the introducers who chose to independently ensure the recycling of packaging waste they generated, as many as 11,234 entities were required to achieve the required recycling levels , which in 2022 were:

• 30% for plastic waste,
• 51% for aluminium waste,
• 55% for ferrous metal waste,
• 66% for paper and cardboard waste,
• 62% for glass waste,
• 19% for wood waste,
• 59% for all above types of packaging waste combined.

Based on data from the BDO register, EIA-PIB experts calculated that only 8% of independent introducers achieved the minimum levels mentioned . The percentage of independent introducers who managed to meet the statutory minimum is shown in the graph below:

Source: Report on Packaging and Packaging Waste Management in Poland in 2022

At the opposite pole are recovery organisations that in 2022 achieved the statutory recycling levels for packaging waste made of metal, glass, paper and cardboard and exceeded the required recovery level for plastic packaging waste [and] .

Failure by the entrepreneur to achieve the statutory levels of packaging waste recycling results in the necessity to calculate and pay a product fee, which is a kind of environmental tax. In order to avoid the obligation to pay the fee, the entrepreneur can transfer to the recovery organisation its obligation to recycle packaging waste generated from the packaging and products in packaging introduced by it. Thanks to this, the introducer pays only a fixed, low amount under the contract with the recovery organization and does not have to bother with ensuring waste recycling.

Calculate how much you can save on product fees >>

Interzero takes over recycling obligations from entrepreneurs in the scope of:

• packaging waste,
• batteries and accumulators,
• post-consumer products: tires, oils and lubricants,
• electrical and electronic equipment.

Thanks to this, every entrepreneur can comprehensively transfer to us all of their obligations resulting from introducing packaging and products to the market. Check what obligations your company is subject to!

By signing one contract you will gain certainty that your company will meet its obligations to ensure statutory levels of recovery, recycling and preparation for reuse.

[1] Packaging and packaging waste management in Poland in 2022, https://ios.edu.pl/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/gospodarka-opakowaniami-i-odpadami-opakowaniowymi-w-polsce-w-2022-r-2.pdf

Every year in Poland, around 4.5 million tons of food is wasted, and 60% of that in households. Why? The most common reasons for throwing away food, as declared by respondents, are:

• expiry date - 60%,
• too much shopping - 26%,
• improper storage - 26%,
• purchase of unpalatable products - 25%,
• purchase of poor quality products - 17%,
• too large portions of meals - 18%,
• lack of ideas on how to use the products - 10% [i] .

The amount of food thrown away increases dramatically during the Christmas and New Year period . It is estimated that 83% of people throw away food during this time. December 24 has even been unofficially declared Christmas Food Waste Day - in Poland alone, as much as 9.2 thousand tons of food end up in the bins. [ii].! Can this be remedied?

For environmental reasons, we encourage moderation above all, which is one of the most important ingredients in our recipe for holiday peace . However, we assume that since you have arrived here, you are struggling with the problem of managing food after the holidays and are looking for a solution that is best for you and nature.

The remedy to most of these problems is food sharing . This movement encourages people to give away excess food to people who will gladly accept it and literally save it from going to waste . There is only one condition - the food must still be edible.

One way to do holiday food sharing is to use canteens, also known as community fridges. Canteens are publicly accessible fridges, cabinets, and sometimes small rooms that allow for the exchange of food . You can not only leave fresh products or dishes there, but also take what others have left on the shelves.

What should be donated to the soup kitchen? Only food that we would eat ourselves. Importantly, it may be past its expiration date - dry and loose products, preserves, spices, and sometimes even properly stored dairy products are often good for consumption after the date indicated on the packaging. However, when giving food to a canteen, it is worth following a few rules :

• products should be placed in clean packaging and tightly closed,
• Homemade dishes should be labelled with their ingredients and preparation date,
• you can leave previously opened products, but you should indicate the date of opening (especially in the case of food that spoils quickly),
• If a dish requires storage at a low temperature, it should definitely be placed in the fridge!

Contrary to appearances, eateries are not the domain of big cities - you can find them in small towns too!

See the nationwide map of canteens

Go to the map of Warsaw's food places

Don't see your location here? Try searching for it, for example, in an internet search engine - the network of eateries is constantly growing, so there may be locations in your area that have not yet been marked on the map.

Food drives are not the only places where you can donate food after the holidays (and not only after the holidays). See where else you can share food!

• Food Banks

These are charitable institutions that accept any type of food and then distribute it to those in need. All food products (including perishable products, such as bread, dairy, meat, fruit and vegetables) can be donated to such a bank at least 2 days before their expiration date. There are 31 such banks in Poland. See the map of Food Banks .

• Facebook groups and local forums

Food sharing is also possible through social media and local groups, which you can find under the names:

• online food hall, foodsharing, freeganism,
• I will give it back, watch out, the garbage truck is coming (or simply: the garbage truck),
• we don't waste food.

• Caritas Poland Branches

Caritas has long been actively working to help those in need, while also preventing food waste. Local Caritas branches often accept unnecessary food that has been sitting in the fridge, for example after the holidays or an event. It is worth contacting the nearest Caritas branch and donating food to them, which will then be given to those in need.

• Facilities for people in homelessness crisis

Surplus food from the holidays is also readily accepted by shelters and shelters for people in homelessness crisis. A list of all such facilities, divided by province, can be found on the website of the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Policy .

Sometimes food has to be thrown away - it is spoiled, over-salted, burnt, there may be many reasons. However, it is worth doing it wisely. Properly sorted waste from the table, fridge or kitchen cupboard can still be recycled organically, i.e. composted or fermented.

Where to throw away food? Most food goes into the brown bin for bio-waste . This is where unnecessary, spoiled or expired food should go, but with some exceptions. Leftover meat, cold cuts and bones are mixed waste as are eggs, cheese and other animal products. Mixed dishes containing animal products, such as salads or sauces, are not bio-waste either. Check what we throw away and what we do not throw away into bio-waste .

An alternative to a bio-waste bag is a composter: home, kitchen or electric. It allows you to turn bio-waste into a natural and completely free fertilizer for plants, which can be created in just 24 hours! Such possibilities are provided by the Oklin composter from the Smart line .

[i] Zero recycling point in Poland , https://portalkomunalny.pl/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/raport-punkt-zero-recyklingu-w-polsce.pdf

[ii]. Holidays, holidays and... to the trash. We throw away 1.6 kg of holiday food per person , https://www.rp.pl/przemysl-spozywczy/art41538111-swieta-swieta-i-do-kosza-wyrzutmy-1-6-kg-swiateczny-jeczenia-na-osobe

The most important provisions of the amendment are the abolition of the obligation to segregate , i.e. selective collection of construction and demolition waste at the place of its generation, and the definition of responsibility for the segregation of waste fractions.

Every entrepreneur generating construction and demolition waste will be obliged to separate at least 6 fractions at the place of generation:

• wood waste,
• metal waste,
• glass waste,
• plastic waste,
• waste slice,
• mineral waste, including concrete, bricks, tiles, ceramics and stones.

The draft amendment to the Waste Act was created in response to interpretation doubts and potential problems with the organisation and costs of selective collection reported by representatives of the construction industry. The previous version of the regulations, which were to enter into force on January 1, 2025, did not clearly state who is responsible for selective collection and collection of construction and demolition waste. The need to sort them into 6 fractions at the place of generation would also cause a sharp increase in the costs of removing such waste, which in turn could contribute to their illegal storage and disposal directly into the environment .

According to the provisions of the act amending the act on waste, an entrepreneur generating construction and demolition waste will be able to transfer it to another authorized entity, which will take over the obligation to separate it into at least 6 fractions outside the place of generation. Importantly, transferring waste to another entity does not completely release the producer of construction and demolition waste from the responsibility for fulfilling the obligation to separate it. If this obligation is not fulfilled due to the fault of the entity that took over the waste, both entities (the producer and the recipient) will be jointly and severally liable for it.

The new regulations are to enter into force on 1 January 2025.

In the justification for the draft act, its authors stressed the need for entrepreneurs to comply with the so-called waste management hierarchy:

entities providing services in the field of construction, demolition, renovation of facilities (construction contractors) are obliged to prevent waste generation. [i]

First of all, it is necessary to take action to prevent the generation of construction and demolition waste. Selective waste collection should only take place when the materials are no longer suitable for reuse . The segregation itself is to ensure suitability for preparation for reuse, recycling and other recovery. Regardless of the place of sorting (at the place of generation or outside the place of generation), individual fractions of construction and demolition waste should then be transferred to specialist entities that will take care of their further management. For this purpose, it is often necessary to order professional collection of construction and demolition waste from a specified address offered by, among others, a waste collection company such as Interzero.

[i] https://orka.sejm.gov.pl/Druki10ka.nsf/0/A065E318FFC3BE21C1258BC70041F23F/%24File/766-uzasadzenie.docx

The introduction of mandatory ESG reporting in Poland will have a significant impact on companies that meet the criteria set out in the EU CSRD directive. As in other European Union countries, these companies will be required to prepare annual sustainability reports . These reports will have to meet legal requirements and standards included in the EU regulation. ESG documentation will be formally equal to financial reports, and its content will have to be approved by independent auditors. Failure to comply with the obligation to prepare a report may involve serious consequences, including criminal liability.

Companies that will not be directly subject to the ESG reporting obligation will also feel the effects of the adoption of the EU regulation. Why? We suspect that many of them will have to collect and analyse data on environmental impact anyway. These will probably be necessary documents for contractors or companies belonging to the same capital group, which will be subject to the reporting requirement. It is possible that partners will be required to support in providing appropriate data. That is why we encourage representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises to take an interest in the topic of ESG now. If they do not implement an appropriate operational strategy, the business may suffer seriously in a few years. Customers are also more willing to turn to products and services of transparent suppliers.

The Interzero team, knowing that both small and larger companies will need expert help to implement ESG, has prepared an e-book for you. This is a document that contains all the necessary information. It is written in simple, accessible language. In it, we explain what the CSRD directive is, introduce a reporting schedule, show how to communicate on the topic of sustainable development, and present the operational steps that should be taken to prepare your business for ESG. Fill out the form on our website and you will get completely free access to it. Your education is one of the most important factors in the development of the company you run.

The news about the adoption of reporting is just the tip of the iceberg. We know how much the Polish business model will change now and we want our clients to be prepared for it. As a company, we believe in technology and innovation. That is why we want to guide all interested parties through the ESG topic smoothly and calmly. We remind you that reporting will be mandatory:

• from 2025 - for large enterprises (over 250 employees and/or EUR 50 million in turnover and/or EUR 25 million in total assets),
• from 2026 - for SMEs listed on the stock exchange.

Environmental Sustainability Dashboard - a tool for non-financial ESG reporting - our proprietary consulting solution. The tool will streamline data collection and monitoring processes - thanks to which you can precisely track ESG indicators. This is a solution for companies that want to be ready for mandatory reporting. Customers get access to an online platform and full advice on assessing the impact on the environment.

According to the calculations of IOŚ-PIB experts, in 2022, products packaged in 6,740 thousand tons of packaging were introduced to the market. Data from 532 installations were taken into account, which in 2022 received a total of 4,023.8 thousand tons of waste. Over 10% of this mass were so-called non-target materials (materials that are not processed in a given recycling process into products, materials or substances that are not waste). After correction, the total the mass of packaging waste recycled amounted to 3,608.9 thousand tons , including:

• 2,022.5 thousand tonnes of paper and cardboard packaging waste.
• 565.1 thousand tonnes of plastic packaging waste,
• 635 thousand tonnes of glass packaging waste,
• 268.9 thousand tonnes of wood packaging waste,
• 117.4 thousand tons of metal packaging waste.

According to the methodology adopted by the authors of the report, the recycling level of all packaging waste was 60.4%, which is 1.4% more than the minimum provided for in the Regulation of the Minister of Climate and Environment of December 19, 2021 on the annual recycling levels of packaging waste in individual years until 2030.

The recycling levels of all packaging waste were calculated in 2 variants. The first one was based on data from the introducers (entities that have entrusted statutory obligations to organisations) and independents (entities responsible on their own). These data show that the recycling levels of individual packaging waste for 2022 were as follows:

• metals - 93.9%,
• wood - 20.9%,
• plastics - 40.7%,
• glass - 65.3%,
• paper and cardboard - 89.1%.

Under this variant, the minimum annual recycling rates for packaging waste have been achieved for all types of packaging from which this waste originates.

The second variant of calculations presented in the report was based on the IOŚ-PIB methodology. The calculated recycling levels of almost all packaging waste (except plastics) are at a lower level:

• metals - 36.6%,
• wood - 16.7%,
• plastics - 45.8%,
• glass - 45%,
• paper and cardboard - 83.9%.

According to calculations based on the IOŚ-PIB methodology, in 2022 the entities introducing the waste did not achieve the minimum recycling levels for packaging waste made of ferrous metals and aluminium (amounting to 55% and 51%, respectively) and from wood (amounting to %).

Regardless of the variant , the lowest recycling rate was recorded for wood waste .

The source of the data presented in the report is the BDO register. The calculations do not include so-called free riders, i.e. producers or distributors who introduce plastic packaging or products in packaging into circulation and do not report them to the producer's responsibility organization or a public authority, or do not take financial or financial and organizational responsibility in any other way for the management of plastic packaging waste, or report smaller quantities than they actually introduce into circulation.

The analysis prepared by IOŚ-PIB takes into account waste with the following codes:

• 15 01 01 - paper and cardboard packaging,
• 15 01 02 - plastic packaging,
• 15 01 03 - wooden packaging,
• 15 01 04 - metal packaging,
• 15 01 05 - multi-material packaging,
• 15 01 06 - mixed packaging waste,
• 15 01 07 - glass packaging.

The actual amount of packaging waste generated in Poland and recycled was calculated as follows - by adding the mass of waste recycled in Poland and recycled abroad, and reducing the result by the mass of waste imported to Poland for recycling.

On 24 October 2024, a draft regulation of the Ministry of Climate was published on the website of the Government Legislation Centre, which provides for an increase in the registration fee and annual fee rates applicable from 2018.

From 2025 they will amount to:

• PLN 200 for micro-entrepreneurs,
• PLN 800 for other entrepreneurs.

This means an increase of 100% and 166%, respectively. The increase will apply to all entities that have a statutory obligation to register with BDO.

Check if your company is required to register with BDO!

In accordance with the provisions of the Waste Act, BDO fee rates have been set at PLN 50 to PLN 2,000. Their amount should not be an obstacle to obtaining an entry in the register or conducting business activity , especially for micro-entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises.

The draft prepared by the Ministry of Climate and Environment was then submitted for review by, among others, employers' organisations and the Joint Government and Local Government Commission. Due to the need to ensure that the draft regulations enter into force on 1 January 2025, the deadline for reviewing the draft regulation was only 5 days.

According to calculations by the Ministry of Climate, thanks to the increase in BDO fees , the total revenues from the registration and annual fees in 2025-2034 will amount to:

• for the state budget PLN 243.5 million,
• for the voivodeship budget (voivodeship marshals) PLN 134.8 million.

In the forecasted 10-year period, medium and large enterprises will have to incur additional costs in the amount of PLN 194.662 million, and micro and small enterprises in the amount of PLN 70.942 million.

The reasons for the increase in the registration and annual fees in BDO were explained in the justification for the draft regulation. As indicated by the Ministry of Climate, the fee rates have not been updated for over 6 years . During this period , the cumulative inflation amounted to 43.9% , which meant that the real revenues from the registration and annual fees actually decreased. Moreover, since 2018, there has been a significant increase in the costs associated with maintaining, running and developing BDO , which contributed to a decrease in the funds that can be allocated to the appropriate functioning of the Database on products and packaging and on waste management.

The proposed rates of the registration fee and annual BDO fee in the draft regulation take into account the aforementioned increase in costs both on the part of the province marshals and on the part of the state budget. Let us recall that the fees from entrepreneurs for entry and maintenance of the register are collected by the province marshal . They constitute 35.65% of the income of the province budget (province marshal), who is responsible for maintaining the register, and 64.35% of the income of the state budget and the Ministry of Climate and Environment, who are the BDO Administrator.

The legislative process can be followed on the website of the Government Legislation Centre .

The list of entities obliged to register with the BDO, and therefore to pay the annual and registration fees, is exhaustively specified in the Waste Act.

The following persons are required to pay the registration fee and the annual fee:

• equipment introducers and authorised representatives,
• introducing batteries or accumulators,
• introducing vehicles,
• manufacturers, importers and intra-Community purchasers of packaging,
• introducing products in packaging into the territory of the country,
• introducing tires into the territory of the country,
• introducing lubricating oils into the territory of the country.

For some entrepreneurs, increased BDO rates are not the only concern. From 2025 the obligation to keep records of hazardous waste was introduced and at the same time the existing exemption used by entities generating small amounts of waste was abolished. These changes will primarily affect representatives of the beauty industry, including hairdressers, barbers, make-up artists, nail, eyelash and eyebrow stylists. More information at the link.

From 2025 an obligation to segregate construction and demolition waste into 6 fractions was also introduced. The most important change is the abandonment of the obligation to segregate R&D waste at the place of its generation - the entrepreneur can commission this to another authorized entity that has permits and an entry in the BDO, provided that an appropriate agreement is concluded. More information in the entry at the link.

According to the report by EFL and Credit Agricole Bank Polska Diagnosis of the level of knowledge and practices in the ESG area in micro and small companies , over 2/3 of entrepreneurs have already decided to develop an ESG strategy for their company . It is worth emphasising that these actions usually result from:

• growing customer expectations - 56%,
• requirements of financial institutions - 51%,
• conditions set by suppliers and contractors - 46%.

Even more, as many as 81% of micro and small entrepreneurs believe that sustainable development activities are important for their businesses. Among representatives of such companies, issues related to environmental protection and stopping climate change are perceived not as a burden and cost, but as an investment in the development of of the company.

Small businesses see numerous benefits from implementing ESG practices. In their opinion, such activities increase employee motivation and productivity, build customer trust and loyalty, and increase brand value.

Interestingly, in the smallest companies on the market , the ESG strategy is usually contained in a different document . This practice is chosen by as many as 33% of respondents. Only 10% of entrepreneurs prepare a separate document for this purpose, and as many as ¼ do not create one at all, but apply unwritten rules. This is a kind of contrast to the largest market players, who have already been required to report individual ESG indicators in writing this year .

The report prepared by EFL and Credit Agricole Bank Polska also indicates ESG actions that representatives of micro and small companies declare they will take. Among them, we can find:

• recycling and waste management - 74%,
• water consumption monitoring - 64%,
• energy consumption monitoring - 68%,
• thermal modernisation of buildings - 52%,
• installation of renewable energy systems - 42%,
• low-emission car fleet - 39%.

Companies are much less likely to measure their own and their suppliers' carbon footprints . Such actions are declared by 22% and 18% of respondents, respectively. This may be due to the adoption of a small-step strategy - micro and small enterprises must measure their strengths and implement subsequent ecological practices gradually.

In the coming months and years, we can expect more activity in terms of striving for low or zero emissions and implementing tools that allow you to calculate and monitor a company's carbon footprint . One such tool is the Environmental Sustainability Dashboard , which combines the ability to calculate and control ESG indicators with an advisory service that will help you identify key data for your company and learn how to improve your environmental performance.

Conclusions from the analysis of data from the Environmental Sustainability Dashboard tool are also the basis for developing a sustainable development strategy in each company , setting directions for pro-ecological changes and for tracking the effectiveness of actions already taken. Why is it so important? Take part in the online training "Non-financial reporting and sustainable development of the company". , during which you will learn when and what to report and get to know the ESD tool from Interzero better.

Sources:

1. Report: 68% of micro and small companies have an ESG strategy report, https://media.efl.pl/informacje/raport-68-mikro-i-malych-firm-posiada-strategie-esg

Under EU regulations, all phones, tablets and cameras sold in the EU will have to have a USB Type-C port by the end of 2024, and from spring 2026 the requirement will also be extended to laptops.

In this article you will learn:

• what type of chargers dominate the market and why were there EU demands for devices equipped with a charging port;
• which mobile devices will be affected by these changes and when the new regulations will come into force;
• in what direction is the European Parliament heading regarding the amount of waste and ecology in general.

The devices covered by the regulations include, among others, mobile phones. , tablets , game consoles , e-readers and others portable devices. All those devices that are charged by wire and operate at up to 100W will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C port - regardless of the manufacturer. This is a groundbreaking decision that aims to simplify the lives of consumers and reduce the negative impact of electrical and electronic waste on the environment. The European Commission and the European Parliament unanimously recognized that this solution will have a positive impact on the ecosphere and will allow for a minimal reduction in consumerism.

Customers can choose whether they want to purchase a new device with or without a charger. This should reduce the accumulation of e-waste in homes, and therefore the throwing of e-waste into inappropriate containers. The EU estimates that broken and unused chargers constitute around 11,000 tonnes of waste. This is a frightening amount - but another question arises - what about chargers with other tips when the EU recommendations regarding USB-C come into force?

European Commission research shows that half of all chargers sold in 2018 in EU countries used a USB micro-B connector. Only 29% had a USB-C connector, and 21% had a Lightning connector, used by Apple since 2012. Standardising chargers to a single standard will make many proprietary charging ports (like Apple's Lightning) obsolete in Europe. Manufacturers therefore argue that once chargers are standardised to USB-C, all the others that are already in consumers' homes will go to the trash. Researchers in an issue of the Northwestern Journal of International Law & Business investigated the matter. In fact, as of 2019, only 29% of phones sold in the European Union used USB-C chargers. Therefore, forcing the switch to USB-C would make almost 71% of chargers useless for consumers. Customers who buy newer devices with a USB-C port will no longer be able to reuse their older chargers with a different input.

However, if we look at the matter in a broader, long-term perspective, according to analyses by the European Commission, thanks to the unification of the charging standard, European citizens will be able to save up to 250 million euros per year. In addition to economic benefits, the new regulations aim to reduce the amount of electronic waste , which is a significant step towards sustainable development. Guidelines regarding product charging requirements are to appear on device labels. Perhaps in a few years, we will only need one charger for all equipment at home or in the office?

Click here again! You can check how the paper recycling rate is growing in Europe! ♻️

Sources: [1] [2] [3]

In the Polish deposit system, the deposit amount will depend on the type of packaging. According to the latest regulation, from 2025, the deposit rates for bottles and cans will be as follows :

• disposable plastic bottles up to 3 l - PLN 0.50,
• metal cans up to 1 l - PLN 0.50,
• reusable glass bottles up to 1.5 l - PLN 1.00.

The Regulation was issued on the basis of the delegation contained in Article 40m section 2 of the Act on the management of packaging and packaging waste ( OJ 2013 item 888 ). According to its provisions, the amount of the deposit should be an incentive for consumers to return packaging and packaging waste , and at the same time be set at a socially acceptable level. The maximum amount of the deposit specified in the act may be PLN 2, which is why the Ministry should monitor the situation in the first months and years of the deposit system's operation and react on an ongoing basis by updating the amount of the deposit.

The aforementioned regulation shall enter into force 14 days after its announcement and shall come into force on the last days of July 2024.

Let us recall that the first draft of the regulation assumed the adoption of a uniform rate of PLN 0.50 for all packaging covered by the deposit system. However, it was met with numerous objections from bottlers and representatives of the waste industry, who pointed out that the proposed deposit rate for reusable glass bottles is lower than the deposit currently used in private return systems (PLN 1).

The final determination of the deposit amount for individual types of packaging covered by the deposit system is not the only novelty in the Polish deposit system that has been presented to the public in recent weeks.

• Another, third deposit system operator has entered the game. On July 17, 2024, the Minister of Climate and Environment allowed the Entity representing OK Operator Kaucyjny SA to create a deposit system covering single-use plastic bottles and metal beverage cans.
• The deadline for mandatory inclusion of reusable glass bottles in the deposit system has been postponed by one year. As a result, the currently operating private collection systems for such packaging can legally operate until 2026.
• Milk and other dairy product packaging has been excluded from the deposit system , which is in line with the dairy industry's demands. Initially, the deadline for including them in the deposit system was to be postponed by a year (to 2026), but ultimately the Ministry of Climate and Environment withdrew from this idea altogether.
• The logo of the deposit system was presented , which will be placed on all packaging covered by the Polish deposit system.

Interzero is the only official distributor in Poland that cooperates with the renowned German manufacturer of bottle vending machines - Sielaff. Thanks to this cooperation, we offer our customers the highest quality devices, designed with durability, efficiency and advanced technology in mind.

We offer full support - from consulting and device installation, to servicing and integration with IT systems. Our team of experts ensures that the implementation of bottle vending machines runs smoothly, and your company gains a modern tool tailored to the needs of customers. Check out the device offer at the link.