Entrepreneur, remember to separate your construction waste from 1 January 2025!

According to EU reports, more than a third of the waste generated in Europe is construction and demolition waste. Some of their elements have a high raw material value, while others - although they may have a lower value - can still be easily recycled into new products or materials. For this reason, the Act of 17 November 2021 introduced changes to the Waste Act that make it mandatory for businesses to segregate construction waste. The changes are to take effect from 1 January 2025.

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Segregation of construction waste from 1 January 2025 - changes to the law

The document mentioned in the introduction supplements the Waste Act with the following provision:

Article 1. The Act of 14 December 2012 on waste (Journal of Laws 2021, item 779, 784 and 1648) is amended as follows:

Yesterday, 10 December, President Andrzej Duda signed an amendment to the lawThe draft of which was submitted to the Sejm at the end of October this year. It assumes that producers of construction waste will be able to entrust the obligation of its segregation to another entity. Then, the responsibility for sorting will be taken over by the entity that will collect waste, provided that a written agreement is concluded specifying the method of managing the segregated fractions - the absence of such an agreement will render it null and void. The draft also allows for resignation from sorting all fractions, if it turns out to be unprofitable or technologically unfeasible.

Segregation of construction waste - what are the different fractions used for?

Segregated construction waste, when recycled and used in various areas, contributes to reducing the exploitation of natural resources. Here are examples of how they can be used after appropriate processing:

1. Concrete and mineral waste

• Construction aggregate: Crushed concrete and bricks can be used as aggregate in the construction of roads, foundations or paving for car parks.
• Materials for soil stabilisation: Mineral aggregate is used to reinforce the ground for buildings and structures.
• Production of new materials: Recycled mineral waste can be used to produce ingredients for new concrete blocks or other precast elements.

2. Wood

• Alternative fuel: Wood waste that does not contain hazardous substances (e.g. paints or impregnants) can be processed into biomass for energy production.
• Building materials: Good-quality wood can also be treated and used to make chipboard, MDF or even in furniture restoration.
• Composting: Shredded wood can be a component of compost.

3. Metals

• Recycling in steel mills: Metals, such as steel and aluminium, are remelted and used to make new metal products, from building components to tools and vehicles.
• Construction materials: Some metal components (e.g. rebar) can be reused without remelting, after appropriate cleaning.

4. Glass

• Production of new glass materials: Recycled glass waste is the basic raw material for bottles, glass or panels.
• Thermal insulation: Glass cullet can be used in the production of glass wool, which is used as an insulating material in the construction industry.

5. Plastics

• Building materials: Recycled plastics can be used to produce finishing components, such as pipes, panels or insulation.
• Alternative fuel: Plastics are converted into liquid or gaseous fuels by pyrolysis.

6. Gypsum

• Manufacture of plasterboard: Recovered gypsum is used as a raw material for new gypsum boards.
• Soil improvement: In agriculture, gypsum is used as a soil conditioner.

7. Mixed waste (after further separation)

• Energy: Non-recyclable fractions can be incinerated in special facilities for energy recovery.
• Supporting materials: Some waste can be used as ballast material in road construction.

The selective collection of construction waste enables it to be turned into a valuable resource, which supports a circular economy and minimises the environmental impact of construction.

You have generated construction waste - what next?

You are an entrepreneur who has generated construction waste in the course of your business. You have segregated it or contracted another company to do so, and now you want to transport it abroad. You have even made an agreement with a steelworks in Germany, a container with the cargo is waiting. But how do you find a reliable haulier with the right credentials?

You can search on your own, but then you'll lose a lot of time trying to pick out the right company from those available online. Alternatively, you can use the carrier database available at www.odpadytransport.pl. You will find all the companies that meet your requirements there. It is only up to you which of them you entrust with your cargo.

Are you a haulier and looking for additional transport options?

You are looking for additional transport opportunities because your existing contractor has thanked you for your cooperation. Or have you simply fulfilled the obligations of an existing contract? Take an interest in waste transport permits. Not only will they allow you to expand your services, but they will also increase your profits and enhance the reputation of your company. A reliable haulier with waste transport permits is worth its weight in gold. Want to know more? Contact with us - we will be happy to answer any questions you may have and assist you comprehensively.