Poles spend over 1 billion PLN on All Saints’ Day, generating 120,000 tons of cemetery waste.
Poles spend over one billion PLN annually on All Saints’ Day, a holiday dedicated to honoring the deceased. According to the Association of Polish Candle and Lamp Producers, approximately 700 million PLN is allocated to candles and 300 million PLN to flowers each year.
This year, Polish cemeteries are expected to generate up to 120,000 tons of waste post-celebration. Experts estimate that each grave produces between 3 to 9 kg of waste, much of which could be repurposed. Without proper management, this waste will burden landfills, polluting the environment for years to come.
Experts argue that recycling is essential. Local governments and cemetery administrators are encouraged to educate visitors on waste segregation. Proposed solutions include setting up “candle-sharing stations” where visitors can leave and reuse candles, reducing overall waste.
Other European countries, such as Slovenia, place the responsibility on candle manufacturers, requiring them to cover collection and disposal costs. Poland could benefit from adopting similar sustainable practices to reduce the environmental impact of All Saints’ Day.