Transformation of Municipal Waste Management in Poland Towards a Circular Economy

Abstract

Municipal waste management in Poland has continuously changed over the past years regarding collection systems and disposal processes. After joining the EU, the approach to waste management changed dramatically, intensifying selective collection and implementing recovery and treatment processes. Recent years have shown that a further fundamental overhaul in the waste sector is needed to convert the sector to a closed-loop economy. These challenges are appearing in Poland, forcing actions in which the efficiency of the waste stream management system should generate added value in the form of sourced raw materials, materials and products. The waste generated should be managed following the waste hierarchy, in which disposal is the least desirable process. The work aims to analyse the current state of municipal waste management in Poland concerning applicable legal requirements, waste management hierarchy and the use of the best available technologies. The data from the analysis was used to determine where Poland is currently, heading towards transforming to a circular economy in the technological, social, environmental and economic areas. The research results showed the need to reduce the waste generated, including a significant reduction in the amount of waste stored in landfills and a significant increase in the recycling rates of municipal waste. In this context, supporting the transition to a closed-loop economy is essential in creating a low-carbon, recycling and innovative waste management, implementing EU strategies.