Waste management in Polish organisations participating in EMAS

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper was to present the activities undertaken in the area of waste management by Polish enterprises participating in the EMAS system, operating in the water supply, sewage and waste management and remediation branches. Design/methodology/approach: The grounds for the assumed research method was the analysis of secondary sources in form of environmental statements. The selection of sample was targeted, the research was complete and included 19 companies participating in EMAS, dealing with water supply, sewage and waste management and remediation. Based on the analysis, groups of most frequent activities in the area of waste management have been determined and specific solutions implemented in each group have been presented. Findings: Polish enterprises mostly performed activities relating to: public educational campaigns, use of a system of measurable indicators, waste treatment or disposal and modification of waste treatment installations. It has been found, despite the fact that research has been made among organisations whose activity mainly involves positive environmental impact, that presented solutions could be implemented or inspire not only businesses with a similar profile, but also those whose operations entail producing and introducing waste to the environment. Research limitations/implications: A certain limitation of the research is the fact that information in environmental reports is not uniform, which makes it difficult to analyse. Not every organisation includes data on specific implemented activities in their environmental reports. The areas of further research may include analysis of solutions implemented by Polish manufacturing companies participating in EMAS, relating to waste or energy efficiency. Practical implications: The key input of the described research includes examples of specific actions that could be implemented by organisations dealing with various types of activity in order to prevent production of waste or reduce the volume of waste. Social implications: This paper describes exemplary solutions that could help organisations in improving their environmental performance relating to waste. Originality/value: The results of conducted research may supplement the previous research concerning the EMAS system. This paper contains guidelines and examples of specific activities that organisations could implement in the field of waste management.