Selling scrap as a business comes with the formalities of waste trading. The two most important abbreviations are BDO and KPO. In short: BDO is the register in which a business that generates or transfers waste has to appear, and KPO is the waste transfer card — the document confirming every such transaction. This guide explains both in plain language and shows what selling looks like step by step.

What BDO is

BDO is the Polish Database on Products, Packaging and Waste Management (Baza danych o produktach i opakowaniach oraz o gospodarce odpadami) — a register run by the public administration. Businesses that generate waste as part of their activity (e.g. production scrap, offcuts, sheet) or trade in it must, as a rule, be registered in it and keep waste records.

A private individual selling scrap from their household does not need a BDO registration — we handle them on the basis of a purchase document.

What KPO is

KPO — karta przekazania odpadów, the waste transfer card — is an electronic document in the BDO system. Each card confirms the transfer of a specific batch of waste from the producer to the recipient and contains:

  • the type and waste code,
  • the quantity of material transferred,
  • the details of the parties to the transaction (transferor and recipient).

When a transfer is subject to record keeping, the transferor creates the KPO in BDO before transport begins. After delivery, Odylion as the recipient confirms receipt and the actual mass. We can help establish the data needed for the document flow, but duties depend on the supplier's status and waste type.

When a KPO may not be required

A KPO may not be created when one of the waste holders is exempt from record keeping. Exceptions depend on waste type and quantity, so confirm the documents for your delivery with the branch before transport.

Selling scrap as a business — step by step

  1. Reporting the material — you describe the type and quantity of scrap (e.g. ferrous scrap, copper, aluminium) and ask for a quote.
  2. Quote — we give a rate after photos or an inspection; for larger batches we can arrange our own collection.
  3. Delivery and weighing — we weigh the material in front of you, and the result goes onto the document.
  4. Documents — if a KPO is required, the transferor creates it before transport and we confirm receipt and actual mass after delivery; settlement documents are provided separately.
  5. Settlement — we agree the form and timing of payment when the transaction is confirmed.

And what about GDPR and data

We process personal data in accordance with the GDPR, including to perform and document the transaction, meet legal obligations and contact you. Details are in our Privacy Policy.

Run a business and want to prepare a properly documented delivery? Request a quote and confirm the required document flow with the branch before transport.