Addressing a challenge arising from a new EU directive mandating waste separation including textiles, Warsaw has introduced mobile selective collection points for textile waste at 42 locations across the city.
In recent months, many Poles have expressed concerns that local authorities were unprepared for the requirements of Directive (2018/851), which took effect on January 1, 2025, and requires EU member states to implement a selective collection system for textiles.
The new rules for separating textiles and shoes are aimed at greener waste management. Shoes, clothing, and other textiles must be disposed of at designated collection points, not in regular garbage bins. Non-compliance can result in fines.
Local governments are responsible for implementing the law and must provide residents with proper disposal options via local selective waste collection points (PSZOK). However, municipalities are not required to collect these items directly from households, and the new containers are not universally available.
The lack of containers has prompted some people to seek ways to circumvent the new rules, sharing online ideas to dispose of used clothing in mixed waste bins, such as soaking items in oil.
From March this year, Warsaw residents can drop off used textiles at Mobile Selective Municipal Waste Collection Points. These points are available at 42 locations citywide on specific days.
According to City Hall, used clothing and textiles unsuitable for reuse will be properly processed, reducing landfill waste.
Addopting a different approach, Lodz installed 50 containers for used clothing and textiles by January-end. The City Council has partnered with a company for free collection, sorting, and recycling textile waste. The first container was placed on Piotrkowska Street in early January.
Failure to comply with segregation regulations can result in fines. Municipal police and bailiffs may impose fines up to 5,000 Zloty (€1,200) on property owners who violate local waste management rules. Disposal fees may also increase if textiles are found in mixed waste.
