PSZOK

What is PSZOK?

PSZOK, or Selective Municipal Waste Collection Point, is a specially organized place where residents of a municipality can leave municipal waste collected selectively free of charge (as part of the fee for municipal waste management). PSZOKs play a key role in a modern waste management system, enabling the proper disposal of many types of waste, including those that are problematic and hazardous and should not end up in regular trash bins.

Definition and Role of PSZOK

The main purpose of PSZOKs is:

• Increase the level of recycling and waste recovery: Through the selective collection of secondary raw materials.
• Proper disposal of hazardous waste: Preventing them from entering the environment.
• Reducing the amount of waste going to landfills.
• Ecological education of residents on proper segregation.

PSZOKs are run directly by the municipality or by an entity acting on its behalf.

What types of waste can be delivered to PSZOK?

The range of accepted waste may vary slightly depending on the municipality, but typically PSZOKs accept:

• Bulky waste: e.g., old furniture, carpets, mattresses.
• Used electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE): e.g., refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, computers, small appliances.
• Construction and demolition waste: From minor renovations carried out independently (within specified limits).
• Used tires: From cars (usually in limited quantities).
• Green waste: e.g., grass, leaves, branches.
• Expired medications and chemicals: Including their packaging.
• Used batteries and accumulators.
• Hazardous household waste, such as:
  • Used oils (e.g., engine, gearbox).
  • Solvents, paints, varnishes, adhesives.
  • Plant protection products.
  • Packaging containing hazardous substances (e.g., empty containers from oils, lubricants, operating fluids).
  • Operating fluids (e.g., brake fluids, coolants).
• Paper, metals, plastics, glass: If not collected directly from the property.

Important: PSZOKs usually do not accept mixed waste, asbestos-containing waste, car parts (except tires), waste from companies in large quantities (mainly serve residents).

How to find the nearest PSZOK and what are the rules for use?

1. Information: The address of the nearest PSZOK, opening hours, and detailed operating regulations (including limits of accepted waste) can be found on the municipality or city office’s website, in the public information bulletin (BIP), or directly at the office.
2. Proof of residence: When disposing of waste, it is often necessary to present a document confirming residence in the given municipality (e.g., ID card, confirmation of waste fee payment).
3. Selection: The waste should be delivered sorted and placed in appropriately marked containers or places indicated by the PSZOK staff.
4. Transport: Residents usually have to deliver the waste to PSZOK themselves.

Is the service paid?

For residents of a given municipality who regularly pay the municipal waste management fee, disposing of waste at PSZOK is free of charge (within set limits for some types of waste, such as construction waste or tires).

Alternative Collection Forms

In addition to stationary PSZOKs, some municipalities also organize:

• Mobile Municipal Waste Collection Points (MPSZOK): Special vehicles that appear in different parts of the municipality at specific times, collecting selected types of problematic waste.
• Periodic collections of bulky waste or e-waste directly from the property.

Using PSZOK is a simple and responsible way to dispose of problematic waste, including used oils and their packaging, contributing to environmental protection.