Factors of variability in the accumulation of waste in a mountain region of southern Poland

Abstract

The analysis of change factors in waste management in the period from 2012 to 2015 in three municipalities in a mountainous region of southern Poland exhibited strong differentiation. This was recognised based on multiple indicators of waste accumulation. Such differences were investigated between two periods, which highlighted the effect of changes in waste management primarily resulting from Directive 2008/98/EC. These changes relate to the development of selective waste collection based on eight types of waste. On this basis, an increase was observed in the amount of waste collected in the communities. Particular attention was paid to the community with the highest number of tourists, the waste accumulation rate (452.74 kg per capita) and the cost per year. An increase in the number of tourists is an important factor in terms of waste accumulation, and other factors made it possible to recognise the direction of the changes taking place in waste management. In terms of changes in waste accumulation, the implementation of the European Union law into the national law in the field of waste management is a significant factor.