Warsaw has taken a creative approach to address the challenges posed by a new EU directive requiring mandatory waste separation, including textiles, according to Euractiv.
The city has introduced mobile selective waste collection points in 42 locations, providing residents with a convenient way to dispose of used clothing and footwear in compliance with the regulations. The initiative comes as many Polish cities struggle to implement the EU’s Directive (2018/851), which came into force on 1 January 2025, and mandates the separate collection of textiles.
The new rules aim to promote greener waste management by ensuring that textiles, such as clothing and shoes, are disposed of separately from regular household waste. However, the lack of infrastructure and awareness has left many residents frustrated.
Local governments are responsible for providing collection points, but they are not required to collect textiles directly from households. This has led to a shortage of dedicated containers, prompting some residents to seek workarounds, such as soaking textiles in oil to disguise them as mixed waste.
Warsaw’s mobile solution
To tackle the issue, Warsaw has launched Mobile Selective Municipal Waste Collection Points, which operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays in 42 locations across the city. The mobile units, equipped with specially adapted vehicles, allow residents to drop off used textiles during convenient hours outside of their work schedules. The collected textiles are then processed appropriately, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills.
Other Polish cities are adopting different strategies to meet the EU requirements. In Łódź, for example, the city council has partnered with a company to install 50 containers for used clothing and textiles. The company collects, sorts, and recycles the items free of charge, with the first container placed on Piotrkowska Street in early January.
Failure to comply with the new segregation rules can result in fines of up to 5,000 złoty (approximately €1,200) for property owners who violate local waste management regulations. Additionally, disposal fees may increase if textiles are found in mixed waste.
The EU’s textile recycling directive is part of a broader effort to reduce waste and promote a circular economy. By separating textiles from general waste, member states can improve recycling rates, reduce landfill use, and minimise the environmental impact of discarded clothing.
