Waste Management System for the Region around Lubartów

Project completed
Remediated waste disposal site
In the region around Lubartów waste disposal sites are remediated. © SECO

In an effort to reduce environmental pollution, a conglomeration of municipal authorities in Lubartów intends to establish a new waste management system for the subregion’s 81'000 inhabitants. At present, there is no sorting of ordinary and hazardous waste; waste disposal sites are inadequate; and large amounts of waste are illegally disposed of. These shortcomings have a negative impact on the environment and can lead to health problems.

  

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Poland
Protecting the environment
Waste disposal
15.12.2009 - 31.03.2017
CHF  11’944’510

Note: the texts under all the headings, with the exception of 'Results achieved', describe the situation before the start of the project.

Background

A well-functioning and comprehensive waste management system is important for the environment, people’s health and to avoid illegal waste dumps. In the region around Lubartów, there is at present no sorting of ordinary and hazardous waste. Poland is one of the countries in which asbestos was used very frequently in the building industry. Today we know that asbestos dust in the air causes cancer.

Objectives

The health risks posed by asbestos fibres are to be reduced by means of the renovation of buildings and the introduction of a system of waste disposal. The overall living conditions will be improved as a result. The project also contributes to the protection of the environment.

Target groups

The direct beneficiaries are the conglomeration of municipal authorities in Lubartów and its members as the institutions receiving direct financial support for the implementation of this project. Indirect beneficiaries are the inhabitants of the area covered by the project as they benefit from an improved waste infrastructure, reduced pollution and a healthier environment.

Activities
  • Construction of a new waste disposal plant with the following capabilities: sorting of hazardous, ordinary and recyclable waste; processing of compostable waste; and conversion of methaneproducing waste to electricity (bio-gas).
  • Four waste disposal sites to be cleaned up since they do not currently meet EU standards. House roofs covered with tiles made of asbestos cement to be renewed.
  • Education and awareness raising campaign.
Results

Achieved results:  

  • A waste management facility serving more than 170,000 persons was constructed including: i) a manual and a mechanical segregation plant, ii) an alternative fuel production plant, iii) an organic waste digester producing electricity and compost, iv) a large size waste dismantling system, and v) a waste management station. 
  • Four waste dumps which were no longer in compliance with the respective Polish and EU regulations were subject to reclamation
  • 3,600 tons of asbestos have been neutralized.
  • Six conferences were organized, thirty press articles were published and twenty nine educational events were carried out, gathering 1,800 participants. 


Directorate/federal office responsible SECO
Credit area Swiss Contribution to the enlarged EU
Project partners Contract partner
  • National Coordination Unit
  • Polish Ministry of Development

Implementing partner
Association of Municipalities of Lubartów
Subregion

Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    11’944’510 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    10’406’756
Project phases Phase 4 16.12.2009 - 31.03.2017   (Completed)

Phase 2 15.12.2009 - 31.03.2017   (Completed)

Phase 1 15.12.2009 - 31.12.2016   (Completed)