Analysis of the Amendment to the Waste Management Act

On October 30, 2026, amendments to the Waste Management Act were published. These changes, adopted by the 52nd National Assembly, aim for greater transparency and efficiency in waste management. By introducing new mechanisms for control and accountability, the amendments seek to improve the collection, transport, and treatment of waste with clearer criteria and reporting and auditing requirements.

What changes

The major changes in the Waste Management Act, published on October 30, 2026, introduce new transparency and accountability requirements, along with specific procedures for the economic evaluation of waste management activities. It becomes mandatory to conduct audits of the entire chain of producer extended responsibility obligations, incorporating data collection for waste quantities and financial management requirements. The law provides for cost-oriented fees for waste management, covering only necessary expenses. As part of this, procedures for auditing and analyzing financial documents and contracts are defined.

Who is affected

The law affects a wide range of participants in the waste economy chain, including recovery organizations, producers placing products on the market that lead to widespread waste, and waste management operators. These entities must provide access to internal documentation and accounts for checks. Auditors appointed by the Minister of Environment and Water will carry out these audits. Rather than being determined unilaterally, the new requirements involve collaboration with the Ministry of Finance when significant discrepancies arise.

Dates and deadlines

The Act was adopted on October 16, 2026, and is effective from the publication date, October 30, 2026. There is no provided information on deadlines for periodic audits, but the law requires the submission of summarized financial and reporting data annually by March 31 of the following year.

Practical next steps

Recovery organizations and other stakeholders are required to review their internal policies and reporting structures to comply with the new requirements. They must be prepared to provide all necessary information to auditing bodies, including financial documents, contracts, and amounts of materials they process. NGOs and other interested parties must also participate in regular dialogues about best practices for meeting responsibilities.

What to check for your situation

No specific sanctions or penalties are mentioned within the amendments. However, they are linked to broader obligations for financial accountability and transparency, so companies should consult with legal experts to ensure full compliance with the legal requirements.