New regulations are coming into effect for cemeteries. Fines of up to 5,000 PLN
Author: Paula Komendarchuk • Source: Rynek Zdrowia • Published: October 24, 2025 18:47
November 1st and 2nd are approaching, a time for visiting the graves of loved ones. This year, some cemeteries are implementing new waste sorting rules, such as red bins for used LEDs and batteries. Failure to comply with these rules can result in hefty fines, so it's worth familiarizing yourself with the current regulations beforehand.
- Red bins are for disposing of used batteries and LED candle lights. If these bins are not available, please take your waste with you and drop it off at collection points or PSZOKs.
- Throwing LEDs, batteries, or other waste into the wrong bin may result in a 500 PLN fine. Refusal to accept may result in a fine of up to 5,000 PLN.
- Although there is a division into classic fractions (glass, paper, bio, plastic and mixed waste), cemeteries can introduce their own labels for containers
November 1st and 2nd are approaching, a special time when we visit the graves of loved ones. Many people will come to the cemetery with flowers and candles. Many will choose to replace traditional candles with LED candles, which imitate the flame of a real candle.
They have their advantages, certainly lasting longer than traditional candles, but they also wear out or become dirty over time. It's worth remembering that during cemetery cleanup, we can't throw them away with the candles or plastic inserts.
The Infor portal reminded that new regulations regarding waste segregation have been in effect for some time now, and many cemetery managers are introducing red bins for used LEDs and batteries . If the cemetery does not have a red bin, waste should be taken with you and disposed of at a collection point or PSZOK.
Failure to comply with waste segregation guidelines may result in fines. Disposing of LEDs or batteries in the wrong container may result in a fine of PLN 500. Failure to comply with waste segregation guidelines violates the law and significantly impedes proper waste recycling.
If you refuse to accept the ticket, the matter may be taken to court, which may impose a fine of up to PLN 5,000 . The same rules apply to other waste, such as disposing of candles in the glass container.
When tidying up graves, pay attention to the colors of the containers:
- green - glass, but not glass candles,
- blue - paper, excluding varnished and greasy paper,
- brown - biodegradable waste, e.g. natural flowers, leaves, branches, grass,
- yellow - plastics and metals, e.g. empty flower pots, foil packaging, used candle inserts without wax residue,
- black - mixed waste, e.g. dirty or unburned inserts, ceramic flower pots, artificial flowers made of mixed materials.
Some cemeteries introduce their own labels for specific waste containers . Typically, containers are labeled "candles" or "inserts," so there's no need to worry about wax residue. In this situation, the administrator is responsible for further separating waste into specific fractions.
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