How are waste government developed? Who truly bears the costs of the system? Do solutions specified as the bailout system, extended maker work truly service the environment and residents? How to act to halt environmentally harmful investments, wellness and public finances?
As part of the grant of the Fund of Uncles, the Polish Association Zero Waste conducted guarding and factual activities aimed at expanding transparency of decision-making processes in the area of circular economy (GOZ) in Poland. The task showed that the transformation of the waste management strategy depends not only on the provisions of the laws, but mostly on the quality of the legislative process, access to information and the presence of active social monitoring.
Monitoring the bailout system, the ROP and key reforms
One of the main areas of activity was the bailout strategy and extended maker work (ROP). PESZW monitored the legislative process, analysed draft laws and their amendments and participated in the public debate. With the support of the Fund of Uncles, it was possible to conduct surveillance activities following the passing of the bailout law, including an analysis of proposals for changes that could undermine the effectiveness of the system, specified as requests to exclude certain packages from its scope.
Our actions have shown that the bill does not end the trial. Systems specified as bail require further monitoring, as their final form and effectiveness can be changed in subsequent legislative stages.
Access to information and social control
As part of the project, we analysed strategical documents, draft laws and data on disposable e-cigarettes and the creation of thermal waste treatment projects. We have applied for access to public information to get the data essential for a sound assessment of the direction of change.
These actions allowed a better knowing of how decisions on long-term environmental and financial impacts are being taken, including in the context of investments in waste incineration plants or regulations on fresh waste streams specified as disposable e-cigarettes.
Strengthening the public voice in the waste debate
The task showed how crucial the function of social organisations in the GOZ strategy is. Organisations specified as PSZW aid increase transparency in decision-making processes, identify systemic risks and bring public interest to the public debate, including residents who in practice fund the waste management system.
Cooperation with another social organisations within the GOZ Coalition and the Polish coalition without one-off e-cigarettes was besides an crucial component of the action, which allowed to strengthen the voice of the social side and increase the effectiveness of the spokesmen's activities.
What's next?
The transition towards a circular economy continues. In the coming years, it will be crucial to monitor the implementation of the extended maker responsibility, the functioning of the bailout system, the regulation of fresh waste streams and investment decisions on long-term environmental and local impacts.
With the support of the Uncles' Fund, it was possible to carry out activities that increase the transparency of the strategy and strengthen social control over its development. This shows that active civilian society plays a key function in building a more equitable, efficient and transparent waste management strategy in Poland.
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