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

• wood waste,
• metal waste,
• glass waste,
• plastic waste,
• plaster waste,
• 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 organization 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 emphasized 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, actions should be taken 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 specialized entities that will deal with 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-sprawiedliwenie.docx

Act of June 13, 2013 on the management of packaging and packaging waste introduced provisions on the inclusion of certain beverage packaging in the deposit system. Deposit systems were to be launched, in accordance with the provisions of this Act, from January 2025. However, for their proper functioning, it turned out to be necessary, in accordance with the postulates submitted, among others, by entrepreneurs introducing beverages in packages, to introduce a number of additional changes to the Act.

The training will discuss changes to the provisions of the Act of 13 June 2013 on the management of packaging and packaging waste introduced by the amending act adopted in December 2024, including, among others, the postponement of the launch of deposit systems and the related consequences, changes in the scope of beverages covered by the deposit system, changes in the method of collecting deposits, and the inclusion of uncollected deposits in VAT.

Detailed topic scope:

1. Clarification of the regulations regarding obtaining permits to create deposit-refund systems.
2. Exclusion of milk and dairy product packaging from deposit-refund systems.
3. Introduction of the obligation to collect a deposit at each stage of sale of packaged beverages.
4. Enabling sellers to conduct so-called reverse logistics.
5. Obligation to collect reusable glass packaging by those running commercial establishments with an area not exceeding 200 m2.
6. Subjecting an uncollected deposit to VAT.
7. Postponement of the launch of deposit systems

The training will be led by: Paweł Sosnowski , Management Board Representative for environmental regulations at Interzero

Link to registration HERE

The webinar is primarily aimed at:

• Entrepreneurs introducing packaged beverages
• Specialists in environmental protection
• People responsible for managing packaging waste in retail chains
• For all those interested in the latest legal regulations regarding packaging management

We cordially invite you to participate in the webinar! Registration for the webinar lasts until: January 16, 2025, 8:00 AM.

Sign up today!

Presentations at industry events, training and campaigns, and educational workshops – although the end of the year is approaching and the atmosphere of the holidays is already in the air, we are still working intensively at Interzero. We kindly invite you to read the summary of November in the Interzero Group in Poland, in which we will briefly present the most important events of the past month.

Interzero’s Environmental Sustainability Dashboard is now licensed by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)! This is another step for us to make ESG reporting easy and accessible for every company. At the same time, we want our tool to be reliable. Through the GRI Licensing Software & Tools Program, GRI ensures that our Environmental Sustainability Dashboard accurately and efficiently incorporates GRI standards, based on best practices. Key benefits of our program include accurate sustainability reporting, helping to meet legal requirements, and attracting stakeholders – through reliable and transparent reporting. We are almost certain that even companies that will not be subject to ESG reporting will have to keep records if they want to cooperate with larger entities.

This month, Interzero had the pleasure of being a guest at the ITTF Warsaw international trade fair, one of the largest events in the tourism industry, where partners involved in the development and promotion of this sector meet. Our representative, Interzero Managing Director Przemysław Kuna took part in the panel entitled “The impact of supplier selection on the carbon neutrality of business travel. How does sustainable development policy affect business travel management”. Przemysław postulated not to cross out industry entities that have not yet taken an interest in ESG. The speakers talked not only about business travel, but also about fleet electrification and infrastructure in Poland.

In addition, Przemysław also took part in the Rzeczpospolita ej debate: “How to reconcile fire with water, or the needs of business and cities towards ROP during the mobilization of work on the act” , which took place in the editorial office of the daily as part of the “Fight for climate” series. Our expert took a specific position – as Interzero, we support a free-market and transparent model of extended producer responsibility. Everyone wants to know what they are paying for and why so much. We do not want entrepreneurs to become just an object on which further financial obligations can be imposed. We encourage you to read the article summarizing the debate here .

At the end of November, Łukasz Pachucki conducted the second in-person training at our headquarters in Łódź, this time under the slogan “Environmental Protection Inspection Control in an Enterprise”. We are very happy that we managed to implement this project in smaller groups. The exchange of knowledge, experience and the opportunity to ask any questions to an expert allows for an in-depth study of the subject. The companies whose employees came to the training already know every step of the inspection, and thanks to the Q&A session and the possibility of consulting our expert after the training, they have prepared guidelines and plans to ensure that the inspection of the Environmental Protection Inspectorate goes smoothly. We would like to thank the instructor for the substantive workshop and all participants for their trust – we hope to see you at the next in-person training!

On the initiative of the Interzero Ecological Education Team, in cooperation with the Bęc Zmiana Foundation, on 23 November, the “Waste Architecture” workshop was held in one of Warsaw’s theatres . The meeting focused on, among other things, new legal regulations concerning waste. They are inextricably linked to the creation of appropriate urban, residential and communication space. Through the prism of their own experiences from many industries, participants created ideas for new solutions that could, for example, help consumers to actively participate in the deposit system. Architects Michał Sikorski and Petro Vladimirov, as well as artist Zofia Strumiłło-Sukiennik, were invited to the workshop. The choice was not accidental – each of the presenters tackles the subject of waste in a different way. The workshops were part of the “Happiness Research Laboratory. Life after Comfort-Century”, an artistic and research project.

On November 29, the Krakow Museum of Photography hosted the debate “Look! Does it work?”, during which we focused on the topic of social campaigns about waste. It was a continuation of Interzero’s cooperation with this cultural institution. The pretext for the conversation was Interzero’s research “Between plus and minus” and “Getting into trouble”, which indicate that young adults are less involved in environmental issues. The speakers included: Alicja Waszkiewicz-Raviv, who deals with visual communication and campaign effectiveness, Dominika Lenkowska-Piechocka, founder of the agency Who Will Save The Planet, and Edyta Mantorska – head of the Ecological Education Team at Interzero. The debate was preceded by a workshop for young people.

We ended the month with a partnership with BWA Wrocław on the “Limited Exhibition” project. At Plac Kościuszki 9-10 in the capital of Lower Silesia, seven sculptures by Kasia Fudakowski will be on display until February 16. One of the main themes of the exhibition is the topic of limited resources in the context of production; the artist was inspired to create the exhibition by considering how “culture and art are inextricably linked to the energy resources available on Earth and the structures of power that dispose of these resources”. The artist gave control over the exhibition to the audience while limiting the energy that powers it. The question is therefore whether every visitor will be able to see the exhibition in the same form. The Interzero Ecological Education Team, in cooperation with the institution, prepared a December educational program that fully addresses the topic of electronic waste.

November ended the social campaign “Charge Your Batteries” that had been ongoing since September as part of the Eko Bez Kantów project under the substantive patronage of the Małgosia Braunek Foundation, Be and in cooperation with the Mindy application. During the project, a series of free webinars took place, where participants had the opportunity to meet online with independent experts. We talked about ecopsychology, the benefits of forest bathing, somatic practices that relieve stress and a healthy diet for the body and the planet. In addition, participants of the campaign could gain premium access to the Mindy application by publishing photos on their social media in which they get rid of batteries with the hashtag #chargeyourbatteries.

November was a month full of educational, as well as socio-cultural events. We would like to thank all Interzero employees involved in the above-mentioned activities, as well as partners for inviting us to cooperate – joint intersectional workshops and debates are something that always brings people closer and provides more opportunities for development and broader education of society about the essence of sustainable development.

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 . Raporty te będą musiały spełniać wymogi prawne oraz standardy zamieszczone w rozporządzeniu UE. Dokumentacja ESG zostanie zrównana pod względem formalnym z raportami finansowymi, a jej treść będzie musiała być zatwierdzana przez niezależnych biegłych rewidentów. Niedopełnienie obowiązku sporządzenia raportu może wiązać się z poważnymi konsekwencjami, w tym odpowiedzialnością karną.

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 analyze 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 tons of plastic packaging waste,
• 635 thousand tons of glass packaging waste,
• 268.9 thousand tons 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 organizations) and independent (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.

Our report, published in February 2024, reveals that young adults aged 18-35 are less likely to separate waste and more likely to doubt the point of recycling. As many as 31% of 18-24 year olds believe that batteries cannot be recycled. Furthermore, the younger generation is less knowledgeable about how to properly dispose of used batteries than older generations.

We wanted our activities to arouse the interest of young adults, which is why we combined the topic of batteries, understood as a source of power for various devices, with our internal batteries, i.e. with mental well-being, which is particularly important these days. In our social campaign “Charge your batteries” we want to support recipients in building ecological awareness, showing that by doing something good for the planet, we are also doing something good for ourselves – explains Monika Grom, Vice President of Interzero

Ecopsychology, a trend that combines issues from ecology and psychology, shows that contact with nature significantly improves our well-being, reduces stress levels and increases happiness. Pro-ecological actions and mental well-being are interconnected vessels – the awareness that we contribute to environmental protection gives us a sense of agency, control and meaning, which translates into better well-being.

In the last few years, there has been a clear increase in interest in the topic of building health in a holistic approach. We understand that everything inside and outside of us is interconnected and affects each other. Following this path, one of the basic pillars of health is regular contact with nature. This is one of the areas covered by ecopsychology, a science that is gaining increasing interest. Thanks to it, we increasingly appreciate the beneficial effects of nature on our mental condition, we are even more willing to use its soothing properties, and regular contact with it allows us to relax more deeply and rebuild our internal resources. – says Orina Krajewska, President of the Management Board of the Małgosia Braunek Be Foundation, the substantive partner of the campaign

The “Charge Your Batteries” campaign aims to encourage young adults to take pro-ecological actions related to recycling batteries and to show that ecology and mental well-being are closely linked. Together with the Małgosia Braunek Foundation, we have prepared a series of four free webinars that will help you find harmony between mental health and caring for the planet. The meetings do not require registration – just join us.

• September 12 “100% Battery. A Conversation About Ecopsychology – a new trend combining psychology and ecology in the service of the inner balance of modern man”, Orina Krajewska and Dr. Julia E. Wahl.
• October 3 “About the benefits of forest bathing, how to charge your batteries green on a daily basis?” , Katarzyna Grabka.
• October 23 “Release the tension – somatic practices that regulate stress and soothe the nervous system. What does science say about the effectiveness and benefits of using Somatic Experiencing® techniques and how to practice on your own?” , Sandra Klos.
• November 21, “Recharge your body – a diet that nourishes the body and the planet” , Dr. Alicja Baska, med.

Get a personalized code for a monthly subscription to Mindy Premium, our digital partner. To participate, post a photo or video on your social media (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok) of yourself properly disposing of your old batteries using the hashtag #naladujswojebaterie . Enjoy peace of mind and body with Mindy for a whole month!

The “Charge Your Batteries” social campaign runs from September 8 to the end of November 2024.

More about the campaign: Charge your batteries – Eko Bez Kantów (ekobezkantow.pl)

Campaign promo spot: https://youtu.be/eW5qtKoB7k4?si=Xf8Mdz-RAl7tH0vC

“Charge Your Batteries” is an element of Interzero’s public educational campaign “Eco without edges” which introduces Poles to the topic of selective waste collection, recycling and issues related to the circular economy.

The development of the Polish digital economy plays one of the most important roles in shaping the future of the country. We are on a timeline in the era of globalization and the fastest technological progress to date – the ability to innovate and use modern digital tools is becoming the foundation of competitiveness not only in the domestic but also international arena. The digital economy contributes to GDP growth and creates new jobs, supports the development of startups and promotes efficiency and sustainable development in various sectors. In Poland, where traditional industries still play an important role, the development of the digital economy is particularly important to meet the challenges of the future. Looking further into the future, our challenges will be to reduce dependence on raw materials and to become more resilient to global economic shocks.

The Chamber of Electronic Economy works for companies related to the electronic economy sector in Poland, with particular emphasis on those that belong to the e-Chamber. Its main goal is to support the development of the Polish digital industry through cooperation, knowledge sharing, legislative initiatives and effective representation of the interests of its members in contacts with Polish government institutions, the European Union and non-governmental organizations on the national and international arena.

Interzero has been making it easier to manage companies, businesses and environmental initiatives for decades. We are an industry leader – supporting sustainable development by combining environmental protection with business needs – and these are constantly changing. There is no denying that the law in the field of ecology is also a field that is developing rapidly – our experts are on site to help understand and implement all official documents and new government directives without major problems. Our mission is to provide comprehensive and integrated environmental solutions in the field of new technologies and more. We do not take the easy way out – our choices when it comes to the world of e-commerce are supported by numerous studies. We take into account both the branches of marketing, economics, ecology and logistics.

Sustainable development is already an essential element of modern business. Today, small, large and medium-sized companies face the challenge of reconciling environmental protection with the rapidly changing needs of the consumer market. At Interzero, we understand that caring for the ecosphere is no longer just a legal obligation – it is putting the reputation of the entire brand, the bond between employees, and the profitability of the business at stake. Implementing innovative ecological solutions allows not only to minimize the negative impact on the environment, but also to increase operational efficiency and reduce costs. Recycling, outsourcing, waste management and much more – it all happens in the digital world!

We will definitely take advantage of the benefits that will be available to us through membership in the e-Chamber. We can’t wait for the latest industry news, knowledge exchange with other institutions and the challenges that will face us in the coming years! Networking has never been as powerful as it is today – together we will create reliable e-commerce that meets social and business needs.

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. Standardizing 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 standardized 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 an important step towards sustainable development. Guidelines on product charging requirements are to appear on device labels. Perhaps in a few years we will be able to use one charger for all the equipment in our home or office? Click here again! You can check how the level of paper recycling 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 ). Zgodnie z jej przepisami, wysokość kaucji powinna stanowić zachętę do zwrotu opakowań i odpadów opakowaniowych przez konsumentów, a jednocześnie być ustalona na akceptowalnym społecznie poziomie. Określona w ustawie maksymalna wysokość kaucji może wynosić 2 zł, dlatego Ministerstwo powinno śledzić sytuację w pierwszych miesiącach i latach funkcjonowania systemu kaucyjnego i na bieżąco reagować aktualizując wysokość kaucji. Przywołane rozporządzenie wchodzi w życie 14 dni od ogłoszenia i zacznie obowiązywać w ostatnich dniach lipca 2024. Przypomnijmy, że pierwszy projekt rozporządzenia zakładał przyjęcie jednolitej stawki 0,50 zł dla wszystkich opakowań objętych systemem kaucyjnym. Spotkał się jednak z licznymi sprzeciwami rozlewników i przedstawicieli branży odpadowej, którzy zwracali uwagę, że zaproponowana stawka kaucji za wielorazowe butelki szklane jest niższa niż kaucja obecnie stosowana w prywatnych systemach zwrotu (1 zł).

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.