Documentation at scrap metal collection — why does it matter?
Every company operating a scrap metal, non-ferrous metal, copper cable or aluminium collection point in Poland works within a strictly defined legal framework. One of the key elements of this system is the obligation to issue a Waste Transfer Note (WTN) through the BDO system — Poland's national Waste Database. For individual customers, this topic can come as a surprise on their first visit to a collection point, so it is worth knowing in advance what to expect and why these formalities exist.
What is BDO and what role does it play in scrap metal collection?
BDO is a national IT system operated by the Ministry of Climate and Environment. Its primary purpose is the electronic recording of waste — from the moment it is generated through to its processing or recycling. Entities involved in the collection of scrap metal, non-ferrous metals and other waste are required to register in this system and to maintain documentation for every waste transfer.
In other words: when you bring scrap metal to a collection point, that transaction must be recorded in BDO. This allows regulatory authorities — including the Environmental Protection Inspectorate — to see where the waste came from, who transferred it and where it will go next. It is the cornerstone of responsible waste management in Poland.
Waste Transfer Note (WTN) — what exactly is it?
A WTN is an electronic document generated in the BDO system at the moment waste passes from one party to another. In the case of scrap metal collection, it is issued by the collection point (as the party receiving the waste) after weighing and accepting the material.
The note contains, among other things:
- the waste code and type (e.g. ferrous scrap, copper cables, aluminium),
- the weight of the transferred waste in kilograms,
- the details of the transferring and receiving parties,
- the date and location of the transfer,
- the BDO registration number of both parties (where applicable).
The document is created and approved electronically — paper-based processes have virtually ceased to exist at professional collection points.
Who must be registered in BDO?
This is a question that troubles many customers: Do I, as a private individual, need a BDO number to hand in scrap metal?
The answer is: not always. Private individuals who do not run a business and who occasionally hand in scrap metal (for example, from an old fence, pipes left over from a renovation or household appliances) are generally not required to be registered in BDO. A collection point can accept their waste and record it appropriately in its own records.
The situation changes for companies, workshops, manufacturing plants and construction firms. Businesses that generate waste as part of their commercial activity are required to register in BDO and hold their own registration number. For every transaction at a collection point they should be able to provide that number — without it, the correct issuance of a WTN may be impossible or significantly complicated.
How can I check my BDO number?
Your BDO number can be checked in the register available at rejestr-bdo.mos.gov.pl. Registration is free of charge and is carried out online — the application is submitted through the same portal. Companies in the construction, transport, manufacturing and service sectors are almost always subject to the registration requirement.
What does the process of handing in scrap metal at a collection point look like, step by step?
Regardless of whether you are handing in ferrous scrap, copper cables, aluminium or other non-ferrous metals, the procedure at a professional collection point follows a similar pattern:
- Arrival and initial assessment of the material — a member of staff inspects the scrap metal brought in and provisionally classifies the type of metal.
- Weighing on a certified scale — the weight is measured on a scale holding a current calibration certificate from the Central Office of Measures, guaranteeing an objective result.
- Issuance of the WTN in the BDO system — the collection point enters the data into the system and generates the waste transfer note.
- Financial settlement — payment in cash or by bank transfer, in accordance with applicable regulations (transactions above a certain threshold require a non-cash form of payment).
- Confirmation of documentation — the customer may receive a transaction confirmation; for businesses this is particularly important for their own waste records.
Scrap metal collection in Poznań and the Greater Poland region — practical information
If you are looking for a collection point that serves both individual customers and businesses with full BDO documentation, EURO-SCRAP operates scrap metal and non-ferrous metal collection across several locations in the Greater Poland region. You can use our scrap metal collection point in Poznań, but we also serve nearby towns — including scrap metal collection in Luboń and scrap metal collection in Mosina.
Before you visit, it is worth checking our current full scrap metal price list, which covers ferrous metals, copper, aluminium, cables, waste paper and other secondary raw materials. Prices are updated on an ongoing basis in line with market rates.
Frequently asked customer questions about WTNs and BDO
Will I receive a copy of the WTN?
Yes — within the BDO system, each party to the transaction has access to the electronic documentation. Businesses can download and print the note from their BDO account. Individual customers can request a printed confirmation of the weighing and transaction.
What if a company does not have a BDO number?
It depends on the situation. If the regulations require registration — and for the majority of businesses that generate waste, they do — the absence of a BDO number can create problems for the business itself, and the collection point may refuse to accept the waste or be unable to issue the documentation correctly. It is advisable to complete the registration process well in advance.
Does the WTN also apply to waste paper, glass and kegs?
Yes — the obligation to maintain waste records and issue WTNs applies to all categories of waste covered by the Waste Act, including waste paper, packaging glass, and metal drums and kegs.
Summary
The Waste Transfer Note and the BDO system are not a bureaucratic burden — they are a concrete tool that makes it possible to track the journey of secondary raw materials and ensures transparency at every stage of the recycling chain. For individual customers, the formalities are minimal — the collection point takes care of all the documentation. For businesses, knowing their own BDO number and record-keeping obligations is the foundation of smooth cooperation with any scrap metal and non-ferrous metal collection point.
Do you have questions about documentation or would you like to find out more about collection prices? Check our steel and ferrous scrap price list or contact your nearest EURO-SCRAP location directly.
