🏭 Can I burn coal in an old stove (kopciuch)?

With conditions

Quick answer

Increasingly no: old "kopciuchy" are being banned by anti-smog resolutions. Poland has no single nationwide ban, but individual regions adopt anti-smog resolutions. From 1 January 2026, many regions (including Silesia, Subcarpathia and others) ban the use of non-class boilers — so-called kopciuchy — regardless of their age. In some regions, from 1 July 2026, solid-fuel boilers may not be used where the building can be connected to gas or district heating. Regardless of the stove, it's always banned to burn waste, wet wood, coal slime and flotation concentrate. To check what applies to you, consult your region's anti-smog resolution and the boiler-replacement deadlines.

📋 The rules

No single national ban — anti-smog resolutions decide
From 1 January 2026 many regions ban kopciuchy
From 1 July 2026 (some regions): no solid-fuel boilers where gas/heating is available
Always banned: burning waste, wet wood, slime, flotation concentrate
Check your region's anti-smog resolution

🔓 Exceptions

Boilers meeting standards (e.g. class 5, ecodesign): allowed in the region
Boiler-replacement deadlines: vary by region and stove class
Replacement funding programmes (e.g. Czyste Powietrze): financial support

⚠️ Penalties & fines

For burning in a banned stove or burning waste, the municipal guard, during an inspection, can impose a fine up to 500 zł, and if the case goes to court — a fine up to 5,000 zł; fines can be imposed repeatedly at further inspections. Burning waste is additionally an offence under the waste rules. To act lawfully: check the anti-smog resolution and your boiler's class, meet the replacement deadlines for a kopciuch (consider funding from the Czyste Powietrze programme), burn only permitted fuel (dry wood, suitable coal) and never burn rubbish. If in doubt, ask the municipality.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-06-20

❓ Frequently asked

Can I burn coal in an old stove?

Increasingly no. Many regions have anti-smog resolutions, and from 1 January 2026 numerous regions ban the use of non-class boilers, so-called kopciuchy, regardless of age. You must check your region's anti-smog resolution to know the rules and dates.

What is an anti-smog resolution?

It's a piece of local law adopted by a regional assembly setting out which stoves and fuels may be used for heating, and the deadlines for replacing outdated boilers. The resolutions differ between regions, so the rules and dates depend on where you live.

What may I never burn in a stove?

Regardless of the stove type, it's always banned to burn waste (rubbish, plastic, lacquered wood), as well as wet wood, coal slime and flotation concentrate. Such burning poisons the air and is an offence. Burn only permitted fuel, e.g. dry wood or suitable coal.

What penalties apply for burning in a kopciuch?

During an inspection the municipal guard can impose a fine up to 500 zł, and if the case goes to court — up to 5,000 zł. Fines can be imposed repeatedly at further inspections. Additionally, burning waste is a separate offence carrying a penalty.

Can I get funding to replace my stove?

Yes. The Czyste Powietrze programme offers funding to replace an outdated boiler with an eco-friendly heat source and for thermal upgrades. The terms and amount depend on income and the scope of the investment — details are on the programme's website.

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