Sorting municipal waste is not only a legal obligation – it’s also a way to show care for our planet, the environment, and future generations. Every Motorway Service Area (MOP) and parking lot at the Toll Plazas (PPO) on Autostrada Wielkopolska has containers for sorting waste into four basic categories, in line with current regulations.

We have also launched the campaign “Dispose Wisely. Sort!” to highlight the benefits of recovering and reusing materials, as well as making the most of the space in each container.

Dispose Wisely. Sort!

Across 22 MOPs and 8 parking areas at Toll Plazas along the A2 concession section, you’ll find clearly marked containers for glass, paper, plastics and metals, as well as BIO waste. These bins have special openings designed to prevent animals from getting inside, making them safer for wildlife. Their colors correspond to the type of waste, following national sorting rules. Each container has an information board explaining how to sort and which bin to use.

Equally important as putting waste in the correct bin is crushing it before disposal. That’s why we remind travellers to flatten cans, plastic bottles or drink cartons – so the containers can hold more waste,” says Agnieszka Sawicka-Moczulska from Autostrada Eksploatacja.

As part of the “Dispose Wisely. Sort!” campaign, information boards have been placed along Autostrada Wielkopolska explaining and promoting selective waste collection. Additional reminders encourage travellers using mixed waste bins to be mindful when disposing of rubbish and to crush items before throwing them away. This includes special stickers on benches, picnic tables and mixed waste bin lids.
Drivers can learn more about waste sorting rules at MOPs and on Autostrada Wielkopolska’s social media (Facebook and LinkedIn).

Why Sorting Waste Matters

Sorting waste is beneficial in many ways:
• It makes waste management and processing more efficient, lowering costs.
• It enables recycling of recovered materials – which is cheaper and better for the environment than producing from raw resources.
• It reduces the amount of mixed waste, whose disposal is costly.
• Crushing waste before placing it in the correct container means bins fill more slowly – leading to less frequent emptying, better logistics, reduced fuel use, and lower CO₂ emissions.

Waste is not just rubbish – it’s also a valuable resource that can be recovered and reused. Materials like aluminium and glass can be recycled endlessly without losing their properties. Paper can be recycled several times, BIO waste can be turned into compost or biofuel, and plastics can be reused multiple times, reducing the need for crude oil and cutting plastic pollution,” explains Anna Ciamciak from Autostrada Wielkopolska. “We encourage proper waste sorting – not only because it’s required by law, but because it’s vital for the environment and future generations.”

The Impact of Recycling

Landfills are filling up fast, and waste that escapes into nature harms ecosystems and health – for both people and animals. Recycling and reusing recovered materials is key to sustainable development. Thanks to modern recycling technologies, we can make better use of sorted waste – benefiting both consumers and the environment.

Did you know?
• 35 PET bottles (1.5L) can be turned into a fleece jacket
• 600 drink cans can be recycled into a bicycle
• Just 3 cans can become a pair of eyeglass frames
• Recycling 1 glass bottle saves enough energy to power a 100W bulb for 4 hours
• 59 kg of collected paper saves one tree from being cut down

Recycled materials can be turned into street furniture, home décor, newspaper, hygiene products, masking tape, coffee filters, egg cartons, disposable hospital gowns, sports equipment and clothing.

Benefits of Waste Sorting:

1. Reduces the amount of waste and the number of harmful landfills.
2. Saves natural resources (coal, aluminium, crude oil, sand) and energy, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and protects groundwater.
3. Protects forests and improves air quality (making paper requires cutting down trees, which clean the air by absorbing CO₂).

#DisposeWisely – Also on the Road

Not sure what goes where during your stop at a MOP? Each service area and toll plaza parking lot has information boards with practical sorting guides.

Blue bin – Paper
Yes: newspapers, magazines, cardboard, books, catalogues, paper bags
No: dirty/greasy paper, styrofoam, laminated paper, cement bags, diapers

Yellow bin – Plastics & Metals
Yes: cans, jar lids, drink bottles, plastic containers, plastic bags
No: batteries, paint cans, aerosol cans, oil/smear containers, diapers, coffee cups, styrofoam, medicine packaging

Green bin – Glass
Yes: glass bottles without caps, glass cosmetic containers, jars without lids
No: window/auto glass, heat-resistant glass, light bulbs, ceramics, mirrors, thermometers

Brown bin – BIO Waste
Yes: vegetable and fruit scraps, food leftovers (no meat), eggshells, coffee/tea grounds
No: meat and bones, animal waste

Mixed Waste – for everything that can’t be recycled and isn’t hazardous.