Total waste generation

Waste generation stagnated between 2010 and 2016, but has been increasing since then (as a result of gross domestic product growth), mainly due to the increase in construction and demolition waste. However, the amount of waste generated per capita is lower than the EU average. The achievement of EU targets requires further efforts, the framework for which is provided by the national waste management plan. The Hungarian government’s goal is to transition to a circular economy, minimising the number of products that become waste and maximising the use of raw materials. These objectives will be achieved by strengthening the regulation on single-use plastic products, encouraging investments in waste recycling and raising awareness to prevent illegal dumping.

The collection and treatment of municipal waste and waste from products covered by the extended producer responsibility scheme has been carried out through a concession system since 1 July 2023. As part of this, a mandatory deposit return system (for glass and plastic bottles and metal cans) was introduced in 2024. The separate collection of biowaste was introduced in 2024, with the expansion of waste collection yards.