Are you renovating? You will pay a fortune for poorly sorted construction waste

Spring is the perfect time for renovation. When planning it, it is worth remembering that from January 1, 2025, new regulations regarding the segregation of construction waste are in force. It is about waste generated during construction, renovation and demolition. They must be divided into six main categories: wood, metals, glass, plastics, gypsum and mineral waste. The new regulations include both producers of this waste and companies dealing with their collection from private individuals. Failure to regulate may result in harsh financial penalties, reaching up to a million zlotys.

Who are the new regulations of segregation of construction waste?

The new obligation to segregate construction waste concerns:

• waste manufacturers-usually it is a company providing a construction and renovation service, not an ordering entity,

• next waste holder,

• the entity that was commissioned to segregate waste.

Who does not apply to the new regulations for segregation of construction waste?

Private persons renovating their apartment, house or other premises are exempt from the obligation to segregate-despite the fact that they are manufacturers of construction and renovation waste. However, as needed to emphasize, the obligation to divide waste into appropriate fractions lies with a company whose waste will be donated after renovation or construction.

Penalties for improper segregation of construction waste

Not releasing the sorting out of construction and demolition waste, i.e. breaking the provisions of art. 101a para. 1-3 of the Waste Act, is punishable by an administrative penalty.

– it is not less than 1 thousand. PLN and cannot exceed PLN 1 million – explains the conversation with “Wprost” Joanna Lech, legal advisor, Senior Associate at the Rödl & Partner.

The expert explains that the financial penalty imposed will not always have the maximum amount.

– Provincial Inspector for Environmental Protection, imposing an administrative fine, takes into account the type of violation, its impact on human life and health, and the environment, the duration of the violation, as well as the size of the business. It also takes into account the effects of these violations and the amount of threat. The financial penalty will not always be the maximum amount. The authority has the right to measure it in an individual way – notes the lawyer.