Waste and material resources

The European economy is based on a high level of resource consumption. This includes raw materials (such as metals, construction minerals or wood), energy and land. The main driving forces of Europe's resource consumption are economic growth, technological developments and changing consumption and production patterns. About one third of resources used are turned into waste and emissions. Around four tonnes of waste per capita are generated every year in the EEA member countries. Every European citizen on average throws away 520 kg of household waste per year, and this figure is expected to increase.