Poland’s Climate Ministry has again changed its stance on the 2025 recycling target, with municipalities facing deadlines.
Recycling Level Unchanged Despite Government Plans
The Ministry of Climate and Environment has been announcing since mid-last year that it has European Commission approval to lower the mandatory recycling level for municipalities in 2025. However, appropriate changes to regulations have still not been implemented. This is particularly important as local authorities have until the end of March to submit waste management reports for 2025 to regional marshals and environmental inspectors. Municipalities face penalties for failing to achieve the recycling target.
Ministry’s Previous Commitment to Change Regulations
A few weeks ago, in response to questions from DGP, the Ministry of Climate and Environment assured that regulations would be changed, but without specifying a timeline. The reduction of the 2025 recycling target from 55 to 50 percent was supposed to be included in the draft Packaging and Packaging Waste Act (UC100). However, work on the amendment has been delayed. Therefore, in February of this year, MKiŚ announced that it had proposed introducing the relevant provisions into the draft act on the metropolitan union in the Pomeranian Voivodeship, arguing it was at an advanced stage of work.
Recycling Level Reduction Now Planned in Different Legislation
In its latest amendment submitted to the draft act on the metropolitan union in the Pomeranian Voivodeship, the Ministry of Climate and Environment has withdrawn the amendment regarding the reduction of the recycling level for 2025. The change is to be processed again in the draft Packaging and Packaging Waste Act (UC100).
Official Statement from Ministry Leadership
“At the same time, I am withdrawing the proposal to amend Article 3b, paragraph 1 of the Act on maintaining cleanliness and order in municipalities (Article 70 of the project) regarding the reduction of the required levels of preparation for reuse and recycling of municipal waste in the years 2025-2029 and adding appropriate transitional provisions. I kindly inform that this change will be processed within the ongoing legislative process of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Act (UC100) project,” reads the letter of Anita Sowińska, Deputy Head of MKiŚ.
