Summary:

In the paper the characteristics of the “Gilów” “old”(abandoned) industrial waste disposal are presented. In this facility the copper ore floatation waste has been stored untill 1980. When its use has been concluded and the waste pit abandoned, it underwent total rehabilitation. The environmental impact of this waste disposal was estimated and analysed. Although the waste storage was abandoned from 27 years and from 17 years the technological water is not stored there, the impact of this waste disposal on ground and surface water quality is clear. In an opinion of many naturalists the reclaimed waste disposal serves now as an animal sanctuary.