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Compliance with BDO in the food service industry, step by step.
Are you wondering how to ensure your restaurant complies with BDO regulations? Managing the packaging you place on the market is not only a legal requirement but also an opportunity to show your customers that you care about the environment.
Learn what you need to do to ensure your business complies with BDO (Database of Products and Packaging and Waste Management) guidelines.
What is BDO?
BDO is an electronic system in which entrepreneurs must register information about products, packaging, and waste they place on the market or generate. In the food service industry, each entrepreneur is required to record, among other things, single-use packaging used for takeaway products. This system is designed to enable state authorities to monitor and control the flow of waste, which is crucial for national environmental protection policies.
Why is compliance with BDO important?
If you're wondering whether compliance with BDO is important for your business, we can confidently say that it definitely is. You can look at it from three perspectives.
1. The legal regulations perspective
Following BDO regulations is crucial, which is why the Polish government has decided to regulate this issue in national legislation. Failure to comply with BDO regulations may lead to significant financial penalties, which can heavily impact the budget of any food service business.
The legislator clearly defines the obligations of entrepreneurs (restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and other food service establishments) as well as the powers of the authorities responsible for enforcing the law in this regard. These regulations are strict, and non-compliance can lead to legal consequences such as financial penalties, lawsuits, or, ultimately, the loss of the license to operate the business.
That’s why it is so important for every restaurateur to not only know the rules but also to comply with them in their daily management of a food service business.
2. The environmental protection perspective
The information you provide to BDO helps monitor the flow of waste. This, in turn, is crucial for the institutions responsible for environmental policy, as it allows them to track what materials are being introduced and where they end up. With this information, they can implement more efficient recycling systems that not only increase the recovery of raw materials but also reduce the costs associated with their disposal. This, in turn, helps manage the waste process on a national scale and contributes to reducing the negative environmental impact.
3. The company reputation perspective
The last perspective is important if you’re thinking about running your business for the long term. This is because concern for the environment is becoming an increasingly important factor in customers’ choices. Especially today, when environmental awareness in society is growing. Every food service business that ensures compliance with waste management regulations can proudly highlight this. As a result, it gains a reputation as a responsible and eco-friendly business in the eyes of customers. This way, it builds a positive image of a place that customers will be more likely to return to. After all, customers choose places that not only serve delicious food but also show care for the future of our environment.
Step by step: How to ensure compliance with BDO in the food service industry.
Registration in BDO
The first step is to create your individual account on the BDO platform. This process requires the owner of the food service business to provide key company information, such as the NIP, REGON, business address, and to specify the type of business activity and the waste generated.
Maintaining records
The next step you need to take is to accurately register all information regarding the packaging your business has placed on the market. It is important to systematically document the type of material the packaging is made from: plastic, paper, glass, or metal. In the data entered into the system, you must also specify their exact properties.
When keeping records, an important step is to register the weight of each waste item, the quantity of individual pieces, the date of their creation, and their intended purpose, such as recycling or reuse. The documentation must be properly stored for up to five years. Therefore, it should be secured and placed in an appropriate system. This is your responsibility, and you alone bear the consequences of any violations. Remember, the documentation may be subject to audits in the future.
Identification of products and packaging
Identify all the products and packaging your food service business places on the market. They may belong to different categories, so make sure you have identified all of them. The most commonly encountered categories include single-use packaging, such as cups, plates, and cutlery. Also, consider reusable packaging, such as glasses and plates, as these can help reduce waste.
Keeping records
Carefully register the quantity and type of each product and packaging, paying special attention to their characteristics and intended purpose. Such detailed documentation will allow for better management of the BDO process. More importantly, meticulousness in this regard will ensure compliance with the applicable regulations. This is the easiest way to avoid potential fines and legal issues.
Submitting reports
Make sure to regularly submit reports in the BDO system, in accordance with the applicable schedule. The deadlines you are obligated to follow must be strictly adhered to in order to ensure compliance with the regulations and rules regarding BDO in the food service industry. These reports must include accurate and detailed data about the quantity of packaging placed on the market by your food service business, as well as the waste generated, including their type, classification, and sources of origin.
It is important that the information you provide to BDO is up-to-date and accurate. This data is crucial for assessing the effectiveness of waste management and is also subject to verification by the authorities responsible for environmental protection. Additionally, remember that reliable reporting can impact your company's image, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable development and environmental care. Maintaining high-quality data will also help you identify areas where you can pursue savings.
Cooperation with waste collection companies
Choose a professional waste collection company that handles the waste generated by your food service business. Make sure that the company has all the necessary permits and maintains accurate documentation in accordance with current regulations. After your waste has been collected, obtain a receipt, which is crucial for later record-keeping and confirming that it has been properly disposed of.
Employee training
If you employ more people, organize comprehensive training on waste management principles and effective use of the BDO system. Raise awareness among employees about the importance of proper waste sorting, emphasizing that the correct approach to this process not only contributes to better compliance with regulations but also impacts environmental protection. Offer practical tips and examples to help them understand which types of waste can be sorted and their significance in the context of sustainable development. Regular training and education can help build a culture of environmental responsibility within the company.
With bdomat this will be easier for you
All of these tasks can feel overwhelming, especially when you're running a food service business and have so much to manage. This is why bdomat was created. It’s a valuable support tool for entrepreneurs in the food service industry. We designed this tool with the goal of simplifying the process of managing BDO compliance. With bdomat, you can easily monitor your waste management obligations and take necessary actions more effectively. With its help, you not only have access to up-to-date legal regulations but also receive professional support from experts. Here, you’ll easily complete all the tasks required by BDO, allowing you to focus on running your business. You’ll gain confidence that all aspects of waste management are under control. See for yourself how bdomat works.
Summary
Compliance with BDO is an obligation for every entrepreneur in the food service industry. Following these rules not only contributes to environmental protection but also helps avoid unpleasant legal consequences.
If you have any questions regarding BDO compliance or need assistance with implementing the appropriate procedures, feel free to contact our experts. We’ll be happy to help!