Running your own scrap metal collection is not just a business - it is a daily adventure! Every day brings new challenges and discoveries. We learn to recognise metals, learn about their properties and uses. Sometimes we feel like detectives - searching for hidden value in seemingly ordinary scrap metal. After all, among scrap metal there are often real treasures: copper, tin, aluminiumand even gold, silver or rare earth metals such as neodymium or german.
That is the fascinating side of this profession. But to get to know it, you have to go through the more challenging part - the paperwork.
Step by step: how to open a scrap metal collection?
Find a suitable location
To start a business, you must have an established company and a place - either your own or rented - that:
- is covered by a Local Development Plan (MPZP) allowing for industrial activities,
- or has a zoning decision (WZZ) - if no LSDP exists,
- is at least 2,000-3,000 m² in size,
- is paved, with access for trucks,
- has access to electricity and water,
- preferably with a hall or shed for the storage of valuable metals.
- If you intend to collect combustible waste consult a fire specialist/expert on how to meet the fire requirements in terms of the amount of waste, where and how to store it
If the plot is rented - a notarised agreement is required.
2. obtain an environmental decision
- This decision is issued on the basis of the project information sheet and/or the environmental impact report (an application for its issuance is submitted to the municipality office competent for the location of the waste collection site)
- The municipality sends the documentation for opinion or agreement to the following authorities: Regional Directorate for Environmental Protection, Sanitary Inspection, PGW Wody Polskie (Water Catchment Board or Regional Water Management Authority)
- The obtained decision on environmental conditions is an obligatory attachment to the application for a decision on development conditions, an application for a waste collection permit
3. obtain a waste collection permit
If you plan to collect up to 3,000 tonnes per year, the permit is issued by the District Governor. Above that - the Marshal of the province. The application must include, among other things:
- company and property data,
- the codes for the waste you intend to collect,
- storage quantities and annual limits,
- description of storage and environmental protection,
- Annexes: map of the plot of land, legal title to the land, description of the environmental impact, fire safety report prepared by a specialist or a fire expert. (if required - in the case of combustible waste), stamp duty receipt.
4. upon receipt of a waste collection permit:
- register the company with BDO (Waste Database for Waste Collection and Transport),
- equip yourself with an IT system to manage codes, KPOs and stock records,
- find buyers for scrap metal,
- equip your company with:
- legalised scales,
- containers, boxes, crates,
- spectrometer, cutting equipment, forklifts, cranes.
- video surveillance - for collection of combustible and/or hazardous waste
5 Recording and reporting obligations
In addition to the standard entrepreneurial duties such as bookkeeping and paying taxes, a scrap metal collector has environmental responsibilities:
- Records of KPO and KEO in BDO - on an ongoing basis, for each transaction.
- Annual waste report to BDO - by 15 March each year.
- KOBiZE report (emissions) - by 28 February if your plant emits gases and dust into the air (e.g. operates forklift trucks on Pb, LPG, ON, traditional boiler plant, company passenger vehicles, waste transport vehicles)
- Report on the use of the environment - by 31 March - if your plant emits gases and dust into the air (e.g. forklift trucks running on Pb, LPG, ON, traditional boiler plants, company passenger vehicles, waste transport vehicles). In addition, if the environmental fee charged exceeds PLN 800 - it must be paid into the account of the marshal's office by 31 March
- CSO reports (if you receive a call) - on energy consumption, waste and production.
How can we help you?
As a responsible partner, RMC Polska is always there to help and advise companies in the sector. Our partners can count on help in every aspect and in particular:
- Support with environmental regulations and paperwork
- Support on legal aspects of waste activities
- Support in raising funds for operations
If you plan to open a scrap metal purchase or you are already in business and need support - contact us!
We can help you take the first steps, ensure compliance and grow your business.
Running purchase scrap maybe be profitable business, especially w times growing awareness organic i needs on resources secondary. In addition, purchase scrap not requires high threshold inputs - basic equipment, relevant location i knowledge of prices markets may suffice, to start activity. Profits can be increase thanks to cooperation z companies construction, establishments industrial or workshops, which regularly generate waste metal.
Z second pages, Running purchase scrap binds get z challenges, such such as necessity compliance regulations Environment, logistics transport large i heavy loads or fluctuations prices metals on exchanges. Market maybe be also competitive - counts get not only attractive price purchase, but also reputation Companies i speed handling. Despite it, well managed purchase scrap, especially w greater City or w Near plants industrial, has potential on fixed i stable income.
RM 24.04.2025