Main problems related to waste generation

Waste generation within the EU is a major problem. According to conservative figures, waste generated (including manufacturing, energy, construction, and MSW) in the EU increased by 10% from 1990 and 1995 whilst net growth was only 6.5%.

Waste represents losses in terms of materials and of energy. Waste is mostly generated by manufacturing and construction whilst MSW accounts for about 15% of total waste.

Waste quantities reflect both the efficiency in the allocation of resources in a society and consumption patterns of consumers (households, companies, administrations, …).

Excessive amounts of waste can be the effect of

• Inefficient production processes
• Low durability of goods
• Unsustainable consumption patterns.

Waste amounts are a measure of resource losses, but there is also environmental impacts produced (for instance, hazardous substances in waste can have a very negative impact on environment).

Globally, the relative environmental impact of waste is related to both the quantity of and the degree of hazard associated with it. Consequently, two aspects must be considered in waste generation: a quantitative one (volume) and qualitative one (hazard).

Waste with a high specific environmental impact per tonne is found in minor volumes and it is difficult to separate and collect. An increasing part of materials in waste is recovered as new materials or energy in incinerators.

Recycling of materials may reduce the environmental impact of waste but it may also have an environmental impact. Very few resources can be totally sorted out and retrieved completely from waste streams. Sometimes, recycled materials can be of a lower quality than the original materials. Transport cost for recycling materials are generally higher than transport of materials for disposal.