The Masovian regional government has completed the operation to dismantle the illegal waste dump in Nowe Miszewo in Płock County. Nearly 12,500 tonnes of various waste were removed from the site, which had posed a threat to the natural environment and the safety of local residents for over a decade. All work was carried out as a substitute execution (work performed by the authority on behalf of a non-compliant party), marking the first task of this scale implemented by the Masovian regional government under this formula. According to the Marshal's Office, the cost of the operation was approximately 65 million PLN.
Background and course of actions
Illegal waste had been accumulated by the company Loveko sp. z o.o. on the Nowe Miszewo site since 2014. The situation escalated after an inspection carried out by the Masovian Provincial Inspectorate of Environmental Protection, during which serious irregularities were identified. In response to these findings, in October 2023, the Marshal of the Masovian Region revoked the company's permit for waste processing, which had originally been issued by the Płock county starosta in 2014.
Since the company failed to take measures to clean up the dump, the regional government initiated the substitute execution of the task. In November 2025, the Masovian Regional Marshal's Office awarded the tender, selecting a contractor to handle the removal of the accumulated substances. Physical work on removing the waste lasted from March to early September 2026.
Scale of the problem and disposal methods
Approximately 12,500 tonnes of waste of varied character were hauled away from the illegal dump. Among the materials removed from the site were soil, rubble, construction materials, and plastics with visible admixtures of other substances. Particularly hazardous items included containers for dangerous substances, tyres, asbestos, and contaminated soil. The collected waste was processed into alternative fuels or subjected to final elimination.
This operation is considered one of the largest and most demanding projects of its kind in the history of the regional government. Marshal Adam Struzik emphasizes that despite the enormous scale, the process was carried out efficiently, and the site has regained its useful functions. At the same time, regional authorities inform that a process is underway to recover the financial means spent on the implementation of this task.
Supervision and appeal to society
The work on dismantling the dump was subject to constant supervision by the Masovian Region and controls by the competent services. Involved parties included, among others, the Masovian Provincial Inspectorate of Environmental Protection, the Masovian Provincial Road Transport Inspectorate, and the mayor of the city and commune of Bodzanów.
Marcin Podgórski, Director of the Department of Waste Management, Emissions and Integrated Permits at the Masovian Regional Marshal's Office, points out that many similar situations could have been prevented if authorities had received signals about concerning phenomena, such as increased heavy vehicle traffic, sufficiently in advance. He appeals to residents to remain vigilant and report irregularities before the costs of cleanup fall on taxpayers and the site becomes filled with dangerous materials.