Discover why burning waste at home persists in Poland, its health risks, and efforts to promote proper recycling practices.
In Poland’s heating season, burning household waste is a significant issue, despite few admitting to it. A study by Zymetria for RLG found only 6% of respondents openly confess to burning waste, while 46% suspect their neighbors do so. Signs like unusual smoke or odors often point to this illegal practice.
What Gets Burned?
Most commonly, paper waste (70%) and bulky wooden debris (53%) are burned in stoves, followed by plastics (25%). Outdoor fires primarily include green waste (77%) and paper. This contradicts waste segregation rules, which call for proper recycling of these materials. Cost and convenience drive this behavior. Many see it as free fuel or a simple disposal method, despite knowing it is harmful and illegal. Education campaigns, such as “Don’t Burn, Recycle!” targeting schools and communities, aim to tackle the low awareness and foster long-term behavioral change.