Logistical challenges in waste transport - what should every haulier know?

The transport of waste is one of the key steps in the overall waste management process. Despite the increasing importance of technology and automation, the transport of this type of cargo still presents many challenges. On the formal, operational and environmental side. This time I would like to highlight the major logistical difficulties facing the waste transport industry. I am referring to the volatility of regulations, the problem of illegal shipments, as well as the growing need to digitalise and shift the burden to more sustainable practices. I will also look at examples from the European and domestic market.

Waste transport - changing and complex legislation

One of the biggest challenges for waste hauliers is the need to keep up to date with legislation. At both national and EU level, regulations are changing dynamically. An example is Regulation (EU) 2024/1157, which replaced the previous Regulation 1013/2006, introducing stricter controls and reporting obligations.

The new law further clarifies the rules on waste shipments between member states and outside the European Union. Its main aim is to prevent the export of the waste problem to developing countries and to promote a closed-loop economy. For hauliers, this means more bureaucracy, the need to register with multiple systems within the EU, and more frequent checks on documentation and vehicles.

An additional problem is the lack of uniformity in national legislation. Many EU countries have different authorisation procedures, which makes cross-border transport significantly more difficult. Lack of knowledge of local regulations can lead to financial penalties or the stopping of shipments. There are also discrepancies in the codification of waste depending on the region of the continent. For example, in Poland, certain waste appears under the code 01 04 80* (waste from coal enrichment flotation containing hazardous substances). However, it does not appear on the German list of wasteas well as others with the suffix 8X. Interestingly, this code included in the Polish list does not appear in the European regulations either, although they were supposed to be the model. This is why we are repeatedly confronted with situations in which a client shows us a list of waste which he may transport on the basis of the BDO and convinces us that he may also transport this waste abroad. However, it later turns out that the foreign contractor had no idea about such a code. This is why it is important to verify data and compare it with multiple sources.

Route optimisation and operational efficiency

Planning a waste transport route is not only a question of saving money, but also of safety and environmental protection. Dependence on collection points, journey times or vehicle type are just some of the elements that need to be taken into account. Infrastructure is also of great importance - the availability of suitable roads, tonnage restrictions and even the opening hours of collection points.

According to the study, GIS systems can reduce journey times by up to 26.5%. At the same time, however, they can increase the distance travelled by as much as 90%, which is not always beneficial. Therefore, every haulier should analyse the data and react flexibly, adapting the plan to current needs. More and more companies are implementing TMS (Transport Management Systems), which help to combine operational data with logistical and even weather data.

Inefficiencies at this stage can lead to delays, increased fuel costs and vehicle wear and tear, which directly affects the profitability of transport operations. In the context of rising fuel prices and staff costs, optimising logistics is becoming a necessity rather than an option.

Environmental aspects and sustainable transport waste

Transporting waste generates CO₂ emissions, as well as consuming fuels and resources. In response to growing societal and regulatory expectations, companies are increasingly investing in low-carbon fleets. Hauliers are deploying electric, hybrid or gas-powered vehicles in an effort to reduce their carbon footprint.

However, the implementation of electric or hybrid vehicles is not always straightforward. The lack of charging infrastructure remains a major barrier. In addition, the limited range and loading capacity of the new technologies can hinder their use in the transportation of a wide variety of waste. The cost of investment is also not insignificant - especially for small and medium-sized companies, which are the backbone of the waste transport industry.

However, sustainable transport is not only about fuel. It is also route planning, avoiding empty runs and load sharing. A well-designed transport system can significantly reduce emissions and improve the efficiency of the entire network.

Waste transport - illegal practices

According to estimates, as much as 15-30% of waste shipments in Europe may take place illegally. The value of this practice could be as high as €9.5 billion per year. This is a huge challenge for both control authorities and legitimate hauliers. Fair competition becomes difficult when some companies operate outside the law, bypassing the costs of licences or documentation.

Missing vehicle markings, false documents or transporting waste under a different code are the most common offences. Authorities such as OLAF (the European Anti-Fraud Office) are increasingly carrying out international checks. Still, many cases do not make it under the magnifying glass.

For hauliers, it is also a risk - involvement in illegal activities, even unknowingly, can result in high penalties, loss of authorisations and even criminal liability. This is why it is so important to verify contractors and to document each order accurately.

Waste transport - the role of technology

Digitalisation is changing waste logistics. Transport management systems (TMS), data analytics and document automation are reducing response times and improving compliance. Companies using digital solutions are able to identify errors faster, track vehicle routes in real time and optimise work schedules.

The implementation of technology increases not only efficiency, but also the quality of service - customers today expect transparency, data availability and responsiveness. Well-implemented technology therefore becomes an element of competitive advantage.

Summary and conclusions

Waste logistics is a challenging sector, but these same obstacles can be an impetus for growth. Companies that focus on legal timeliness, modern technology and environmental sustainability have the opportunity to build a competitive advantage.

Adapting to the changing legal and market reality is not easy, but it is certainly worthwhile. In times of increased scrutiny and digitalisation, waste logistics must not only be efficient, but also responsible and compliant. Good management of transport processes is no longer just a matter of cost, but also of reputation and legal security. It allows the building of lasting, trusting relationships that benefit both parties.