Old Clothes Cause Headaches in Lublin

19 May 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

New rules on textile waste collection create problems for immobile residents and risk fines for improper disposal.

New rules on textile waste collection came into force on January 1, 2025. Consequently, municipalities must offer at least one collection point and some cities added mobile stops.

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Why the new textile waste collection matters

The EU passed a directive in 2018 and Poland implemented it now. Therefore local authorities must let residents hand in clothing and shoes separately. Moreover, cities such as Warsaw, Słupsk and Kielce already offer mobile or alternative collection. However, the change affects everyday life in many towns. In Lublin the city runs a PSZOK (a municipal selective waste collection point) on Metalurgiczna 13K. In addition, the city added a mobile service in July 2025. The service visits seven locations on the second Saturday of every month. The stops run on a fixed timetable to help people plan.

Practical gaps and who gets left out

Still, the system does not reach everyone. A reader told our newsroom she cannot drive and cannot call a taxi. Therefore she cannot bring bags to the PSZOK or to the mobile stops. Moreover, she said she does not want to ask neighbours for help. Consequently, she worries about feeling isolated and ignored. In addition, older and mobility-limited residents often lack options. The city monitors the system and analyses needs. However, officials stress they designed schedules to fit the city’s finances and logistics. Monika Głazik from Lublin City Hall explained that the mobile collection runs regularly on fixed Saturdays. Nevertheless the fixed windows last only an hour per stop. Therefore the arrangement still leaves people behind.

Fines, bills and community liability

If residents mix textiles with general waste they may lose recycling potential. Moreover, municipalities can raise charges. Consequently households may face 2- or 4-times higher waste bills. In addition, if officials cannot find the offender the whole housing community may bear responsibility. Furthermore throwing waste in wrong places can bring a 500 zł fine from police or municipal guards. (A “mandat” means a fine issued by police or municipal guards.) Therefore many people fear accidental penalties more than they fear the administrative rules.

Where the city stands and what it offers

City officials say the program matches organizational and budget limits. Moreover they say regular mobile stops provide predictable windows. However the schedule runs early and lasts short hours. Consequently people without cars or strong social networks struggle. In addition, public transport or taxis cost money for many pensioners. (Note: ZUS refers to the social security institution, NFZ to the public health fund, and PESEL is a national ID number.) Therefore accessibility tools count as a needed improvement.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you live in Poland you must follow local waste rules. In many cities you can ask building managers or housing associations to help. Moreover charity shops or textile banks sometimes take used clothes. However always check if a given drop-off is official. In addition, carry your PESEL or ID for some municipal services. (PESEL is the national ID number.)

City-run mobile stops list times and places. Moreover Lublin posts them online. However if you cannot travel, call your local council office for advice. In addition, neighbourhood groups sometimes arrange collection help. Therefore expats should seek local volunteers or contact the city social services for support.

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