Environment
Recycling fee for plastic bags – everything you need to know
The issue of plastic waste has become a serious problem in recent years, and many countries have introduced laws and regulations aimed at reducing its use. Poland is no exception, as it has regulations concerning the use of plastic shopping bags. For companies, it is important to understand these regulations to ensure compliance and avoid penalties. Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions:
Can a company pay the recycling fee itself and give the bag to the customer for free?
The answer is: no. According to Polish regulations, entrepreneurs are required to collect the recycling fee from the customer who buys the bag. Failure to fulfill this obligation may result in an administrative fine ranging from 500 PLN to 20,000 PLN.
Can a plastic shopping bag with a thickness of less than 15 micrometers be offered to the customer for free?
The answer is: only if it is intended for foods sold in bulk as their primary packaging, for hygiene reasons. If the company offers a very light plastic one shopping bagthat is not intended for bulk food must collect a recycling fee from the customer.
When it comes to packaging small items such as screws in bags less than 15 micrometers thick, companies must charge a recycling fee to the customer. Bags less than 15 micrometers thick are only exempt from the levy when used for food packaging.
Should records be kept of shopping bags?
Businesses must keep records of the number of lightweight and other plastic carrier bags purchased and issued in a given calendar year. This may be kept on paper or electronically and must be kept for five years from the end of the calendar year to which the information relates.
Should I report the number of shopping bags sold?
Businesses are required to prepare a report containing information on the number of lightweight and other plastic shopping bags purchased and issued. They must submit this report by March 15 each year to the voivodeship marshal competent for the business address in electronic form through their checks in the register which is part of the database on products and packaging and waste management (BDO).
Does the customer fee for plastic shopping bags have to be equal to the recycling fee?
The customer fee for lightweight plastic carrier bags does not necessarily equal the recycling fee. Entrepreneurs can set any price for a plastic shopping bag, provided that the price includes a recycling fee of 20 groszy.
In summary, entrepreneurs must comply with the regulations regarding plastic shopping bags in Poland. It's important to understand when to charge a recycling fee, the exemption for bags used for bulk food, and recordkeeping requirements. Failure to comply with regulations may result in fines and loss of reputation. By understanding and complying with these regulations, companies can help reduce plastic waste and promote a more sustainable environment. The best solution is to use paper bags – we then avoid many responsibilities related to bags for our customers. More here
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