Recycling plastics - how to legally donate waste?

Plastics are ubiquitous in industry and, with their widespread use, the scale of the problem of their management is increasing. For companies, this means not only environmental responsibility, but also specific formal obligations. How can plastic waste be legally sent for recycling? What documents are required and what do you need to pay attention to in order to comply with the regulations?

Statistics show that the production of plastics is increasing year on year, and consequently companies are generating more waste from them. However, only a small proportion of this is recycled - the rest goes to incinerators, landfill sites or is exported to other EU countries. Meanwhile, EU targets stipulate that by 2030. 55% of plastic packaging is to be recycled. This a huge challenge for the Polish waste industry.

Types of plastic - what do we include in this category besides plastic?

We colloquially equate plastics with 'plastic' - lightweight, flexible and most commonly found in packaging. However, it is actually a much broader category. We distinguish between, among others:

• Thermoplastics (PE, PP, PS, PET, PVC) - recyclable
• Thermoplastics - hardened once, impossible to melt again
• Elastomers - e.g. EPDM rubber, used in sealing applications
• EPS/XPS polystyrene - problematic for volumetric recycling
• Composites - plastics with added fibres or metals
• Silicones and speciality polymers - technologically challenging

Each of these materials differs in terms of chemical properties, temperature response and recyclability. Lack of this knowledge leads to incorrect sorting and documentation errors. This in turn can result in the rejection of the waste by the recycler or even in an administrative fine.

Why is plastics recycling still a big challenge?

Not all plastic waste can be easily recycled. The biggest challenges are:

• Contaminants - e.g. food residues, paint, metals
• Multi-material waste - e.g. aluminium foil with plastic
• Difficult to identify material markings

A significant proportion of such waste is sent for so-called energy recovery - incineration in specialised facilities with energy production. Some fractions are sent to recyclers abroad, most often to Germany, the Netherlands or the Czech Republic.

The transport sector plays a key role here. This is because transport must comply with cross-border regulations, based on proper documentation (e.g. in Poland it will be KPO, while in export it will be Annex VII or CMR). It must also ensure the safety and traceability of the material.

Recycling plastic waste - who should prepare for it and how?

Plastic waste generator:

• Maintenance of records in the BDO system
• Generation of a Waste Transfer Note
• Handing over waste only to entities with valid permits
• Retention of records for a minimum of 5 years

Intermediary (broker):

• Registration of waste management activities
• Responsibility for the legality of the entire chain (consignee, transport, documents)
• Agreements with manufacturers and recyclers

Transport company:

• Entry in BDO under section VII
• Issuing transport documents (CMR, KPO, SENT for large volumes)
• Obligation to have a licence and vehicle marking

Recycler:

• Permit for waste treatment or recovery
• Registration and reporting system (e.g. to the provincial marshal)
• Possibility of issuing a recovery/recycling receipt (for customer billing)

Benefits of recycling plastics - who benefits most?

By recycling plastics, it is possible to reduce the consumption of primary raw materials and production costs. The biggest beneficiaries are:

• Construction industry - use of regranulates in insulation, pipes, finishes
• Automotive - the use of plastics in bodywork and interiors
• Packaging production - recycling PET and HDPE into new bottles and containers
• Technical textiles - e.g. recycled fibres for sportswear

All these industries benefit from cheaper, more accessible raw material and the implementation of ESG strategies and environmental targets.

How Ecology24 supports companies in recycling plastics

For more than 10 years, we have been supporting companies from all over Poland and Europe in legal and efficient waste management. We not only help obtaining permits and record-keeping, but also:

• Finding the right recycler
• Organise lawful transport
• Take control of documentation
• Avoid the most common mistakes

We act comprehensively - from the preparation of documents to the final recovery of waste. Trust the experience of Ecologistics24.

What are companies asking for in terms of plastic waste?

WASTE

TRANSPORT