Entry in the BDO register - an overview of the most important changes

Entry in the BDO register is the first step for an entrepreneur who wants to deal with waste management in Poland. Regardless of whether he wants to produce, process or transport it. In each of these cases, registration is required. In addition to the right to carry out a given activity, it also entails a number of obligations. How will these change as the year 2025 begins?

Contact for BDO registration

e.nadolna@ekologistyka24.pl , +48 881 045 376

j.blazewicz@ekologistyka24.pl , +48 500 867 153

What is the BDO register and why was it established?

The BDO register was launched on 24 January 2018 under the the law on waste. It is a central database aimed at increasing transparency in the waste cycle and ensuring compliance with EU legislation.

The main tasks of the register are to monitor the flow of waste in Poland, to facilitate access to data for inspection authorities and to eliminate the grey area in waste management. Entry into the BDO register also enables entrepreneurs to report their waste management activities electronically, reducing bureaucracy and enabling easier control over the circulation of raw materials.

BDO registration - obligations

Registration with the BDO system is mandatory for most companies operating in the waste industry. This applies to both large companies and small entities that generate waste as part of their business activities.

Entrepreneurs' responsibilities include:

Keeping records of waste. Any company that generates waste, processes waste or introduces packaged products must record the type, quantity and management of waste. It is important that it does this systematically and meticulously to avoid problems later.

Submission of annual reports. By 15 March each year, businesses must send in reports on waste generated and processed.

Designation by registration number. Companies must include their BDO number on documents such as invoices or contracts.

BDO registration from 2025 - what will change?

In recent years, the BDO system has been systematically updated to meet increasing environmental requirements. What changes are planned (or have already been implemented) this year?

• Mandatory recording of all hazardous waste: At the beginning of the year, the following came into force Order of the Minister of Climate and Environment of 5 November 2024. The new legislation restricts exemptions from record-keeping to only selected non-hazardous waste, tightening the requirements for hazardous waste management. This means that generators of hazardous waste will have to keep records of all such waste.
• Segregation of construction waste: The beginning of the year also brought changes for construction waste records. Businesses must separate them into six fractions, i.e. wood, metals, glass, plastics, gypsum and mineral waste.
• Higher rates for registration and annual fee: Entrepreneurs must also prepare for new fees for initial registration and fees in subsequent years. They will amount to a registration/annual fee of PLN 200 for micro-entrepreneurs and PLN 800 for other entities, respectively.

Waste transport in the light of the changes to the BDO register

Invariably, waste transport in Poland first requires registration in the BDO system (for new companies) and the preparation of waste transfer notes. Even in the case of exporting waste outside the country. Records of waste transports will also be mandatory, although no longer in such an elaborate form as in the case of, for example, waste generators. The transport company must keep so-called simplified records, i.e. collect waste transfer notes and present them on the order of the relevant authorities. Navigating the BDO system can be problematic, especially for someone dealing with it for the first time. Don't let this stand in the way of your business. Apply to us, and not only will we quickly register your company with BDO, but we will also show you how to approve waste transfer cards.