The two figures in this indicator provide information about the landfilling of waste. Figure 1 shows the amounts and percentage values of waste, excluding major mineral waste, deposited in landfill (the waste landfill rate) together with quantities sent to landfill for selected waste types. Figure 2 shows waste landfill rates, as percentages, by country. Data presented in the form of a bar chart are displayed for the reference year (2010, or 2011 in some cases) and the last year for which data are available (2019, or 2018 in some cases).
Methodology for indicator calculation
Raw data for waste generation and treatment were retrieved from Eurostat. Eurostat aggregate data for the 27 EU Member States were used. Data on waste generation contain all NACE (statistical classification of economic activities in the European Community) activities and households. Frequency of data publishing is every 2 years (for waste generation). Information on data set uncertainties can be found directly in the metadata and explanatory notes provided by Eurostat. Only official Eurostat data sets have been used.
In Figure 2, the landfill rate is shown as the percentage of municipal waste generated that is deposited in landfill. Data are presented in descending order according to 2019 data values. Data for 2018 rather than 2019 are shown for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Ireland, Kosovo (under UN Security Council Resolution 1244/99), Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia; data for 2011 rather than 2010 are shown for Denmark and North Macedonia. The horizontal line represents the target for the year 2035 according to the Landfill Directive (Directive 1999/31/EC, as amended by Directive (EU) 2018/850).
Methodology for gap filling
No methodology for gap filling has been specified.
Methodology references
No methodology references available.
Justification for indicator selection
No rationale has been identified for this indicator.
Scientific references
- No rationale references available.
Context description
One of the characteristics of the linear economy system, which has predominated in recent decades, is a high level of resource consumption followed by a high level of waste generation (‘take-make-dispose’ model). This economic model is based on increasing profits generated by the consumption of primary resources and increasing demand for short-cycle products. In 2015, 2018 and 2020, the European Commission adopted circular economy packages to make the transition to a stronger, circular economic model, where resources are used in a more sustainable way. The waste hierarchy serves to set priorities for national waste policies and gives the highest priority to waste prevention, followed by preparing for reuse, recycling, other methods of recovery and disposal. These priorities are highlighted by recent waste and resource efficiency policies and strategies at EU and national levels.
Targets
No targets have been specified.
Related policy documents
- COM(2011) 571 final, Roadmap to a resource efficient Europe. COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS. Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe
- COM(2020) 98 final, A new Circular Economy Action Plan For a cleaner and more competitive Europe. COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS A new Circular Economy Action Plan For a cleaner and more competitive Europe COM/2020/98 final
- Council Directive 1999/31/EC of 26 April 1999 on the landfill of waste. COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 1999/31/EC of 26 April 1999 on the landfill of waste
- Directive (EU) 2018/850 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 amending Directive 1999/31/EC on the landfill of waste. Directive (EU) 2018/850 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 amending Directive 1999/31/EC on the landfill of waste
- Directive (EU) 2018/851 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 amending Directive 2008/98/EC on waste. Directive (EU) 2018/851 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 amending Directive 2008/98/EC on waste
Methodology uncertainty
No uncertainty has been identified.
Data sets uncertainty
No uncertainty has been specified.
Rationale uncertainty
No uncertainty has been specified.