Wondering what the BDO system is? It is a database related to waste management, but not every business has to report its activities to it. Find out what BDO stands for and find out if you are obliged to register and, if so, when and how to do so.
BDO - what does it mean?
BDO stands for Database on Products and Packaging and Waste Management. It is not a register of waste per se, but of entities that bring into the country products that generate and/or manage waste. The register was created in 2018 on the basis of a law issued by the Ministry of Environment (today's Ministry of Climate) and is managed by the Marshals of the provinces.
What is the purpose of the BDO register - what difference does it make in practice? The developers of the ICT system are of the opinion that, thanks to such a database, it is possible to control the circulation of waste in an efficient manner and to transmit the necessary information in this respect to the Environmental Inspectorate. In this way, illegal waste management and wastefulness can be prevented.
Who is primarily affected by the BDO registration obligation?
All information as to who must register in the BDO database is contained in Articles 50 and 51 of the Waste Act. Nevertheless, it can be distinguished that this mainly applies to those entrepreneurs who:
- introduce on the national territory packaged products, tyres, lubricating oils, vehicles (excluding vintage ones), batteries or accumulators, as well as electronic and electrical equipment;
- manufacture or import packaging;
- generate, treat or transport waste and keep records of such waste.
It is worth remembering that the obligation to register with BDO is imposed on both larger and smaller entrepreneurs, and even those who run a one-person business. The register will therefore include beauty parlours, dental surgeries, small bookshops, catering companies, etc. Interestingly, entrepreneurs who contract a separate company to carry out cleaning, renovation, demolition or cleaning work are not subject to the register. In this case, the obligation lies with the party performing the service. 
An issue that can cause some confusion is what is actually considered BDO waste - which should be registered and which do not need to be. First and foremost, these include those referred to as BDO installations - what is this in practice? In the main, these are stationary technical facilities or assemblies of such facilities. This includes, for example, sewage treatment plants or crushing, processing or grinding machines. Each of these facilities should be included in the report on waste generation and management. This is submitted once a year by entrepreneurs who keep records of discards.
What else is worth knowing about the BDO database? Not all waste has to be registered. Those considered as municipal waste, which every household generates, are not subject to registration. Therefore, if you run a business where the waste does not go beyond the boundary of those municipal, you do not need to apply for registration in the database. Still unable to determine whether this obligation applies to you? Use the questionnaire provided on the official BDO website.
Where and when should I register with BDO?
Any entrepreneur who is compelled to register with BDO should submit the relevant application before starting his business. If he or she has not done so, he or she should do so as soon as possible, as failure to register is punishable by a fine. Each application should be accompanied by a declaration that the requirements for entry in the BDO register are met.
Some are also required to include the relevant BDO documents - what is this in practice? It all depends on what products you are putting into circulation. For example, if they are vehicles, you will need to include a copy of the contract with the businesses that run the dismantling stations. On the other hand, those who work with batteries and accumulators should provide information confirming voluntary participation in an eco-management and audit scheme.
How much does it cost to sign up to the BDO register?
An entry in the BDO register costs PLN 100 for small entrepreneurs and PLN 300 for larger companies. The necessity to pay the fee applies to every entrepreneur who is obliged to register his/her activity in the database. When submitting your application, you must include confirmation of payment of the registration fee with the necessary documentation. Remember that it must be renewed every year (for this reason it is called the annual fee) by virtue of the register itself. If you are just registering with BDO in a given year, the annual fee will apply for twelve months. It must be submitted by the end of February for the calendar year in question. 
Where can I subscribe to the BDO register?
This can be done at the Marshal's Office or electronically. To apply online, all you need to do is log in with your eID or trusted profile on the BDO website. How do you do this? You need to click on the 'Apply online' tab on the website, then (after registering your account) go to applications and click 'New application'. Once you have completed all the information, click 'Submit' or 'Apply'.
Then what is a BDO number? Once an application has been submitted and accepted, the company concerned will receive its individual number in the database. It is very important as it must be included on invoices and other documents. This follows by virtue of Article 63 of the Waste Act. Unfortunately, it is not specified exactly which documents are meant. Certainly, however, the BDO number should appear on invoices issued by the company. If this is not the case, the owner of the company may be subject to an administrative penalty in the same amount as the penalty for not having a record in the register.
Is it possible to receive a penalty for failing to record in the register?
Registration with BDO is mandatory for the previously mentioned entities for legal and administrative reasons. Without it, it would not be possible to control plastic residues. Failure to register is punishable by an administrative fine (from PLN 5,000 to as much as PLN 1 million) or by a penalty imposed through the courts, i.e. a fine (the same amounts as for the previous one) or arrest. The administrative penalty is imposed by the Provincial Inspector of Environmental Protection. A fine can be obtained not only for the mere failure to submit an application, but also for providing false information or even failing to apply for an exemption from the register.
If you are one of the businesses that produces, introduces or manages waste, you must register with BDO. Delaying your application could result in a hefty fine. You already know what BDO is on an invoice and why it is important not only to register, but also to include the number on important documents issued by the company.
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