Swedish Waste Management

Swedish Waste Management
CONTENT
PREFACE
How Swedish waste management works
Collection and transport
Waste quantities 2008
Hazardous waste
10
Waste from electrical and electronic equipment
12
Material recycling
13
Biological treatment
16
Waste-to-energy
19
Landfill
22
Waste other than household waste
25
Waste economics
26
Waste agenda
28
Glossary
30
About Avfall Sverige Swedish Waste Management
33
Staff
34
Swedish Waste Management 2009
PREFACE
Sweden is the world-leader in waste manage-
2012 and reducing it by 2020. This work has
ment. This is demonstrated through the great
been initialized and should be finished by
interest in Swedish environmental technology
2013. All member states in the EU should
in the waste sector. And we should be proud!
have established a waste prevention program
Thanks to a great commitment from citizens,
by this time. Avfall Sverige is one of the actors
property owners, producers, contractors, and
in this process.
local authorities, 97 percent of all household

waste today is being recycled.
The
annual
report,
Swedish
Waste
Management has been published by Avfall
After having seen an increase in waste vol-
Sverige for more than ten years now. It briefly
umes for several years, they are now leveling
describes how waste management works in
off. There is a close connection between the
Sweden. Through texts, figures and tables, it
economic situation and consumption, and
presents factual information that has been
between consumption and waste volumes.
updated based on the latest available statis-
Through the framework directive for waste, the
tics. The report, Swedish Waste Management
European Union requires that the member
2009 is intended for those active in the
states take measures to prevent the produc-
waste industry, local and central decision-
tion of waste. Countries are required to devel-
makers, authorities, educational institutions,
op a waste reduction plan with the aim of sta-
media, and other interested parties.
bilizing their waste production by the year

Malm June 2009
Weine Wiqvist,
Managing Director Avfall Sverige
How Swedish waste management works
Waste shall be treated in such a way that the
Exceptions from the hierarchy may be neces-
treatment. The objective refers to source-
maximal environmental and social benefits
sary for technical, economical or environmen-
separated food waste for both home com-
are achieved. All parties participate in this
tal reasons.
posting and central treatment.
work from producers to households. The
EU decisions set the frameworks for Swedish
By 2010, at the latest, food waste, and con-
producers are responsible for their various
waste management. The environmental objec-
sequently also equivalent waste from food
product groups, the local authorities are
tives of the Swedish Parliament govern the
industries etc., shall be recycled through
responsible for the household waste, and the
waste management and its environmental
biological treatment. The objective refers to
operators in the sector are responsible for tak-
aspects. These are the environmental objec-
waste not mixed with other types of waste,
ing care of all waste which is not household
tives for the waste sector:
which subsequent to treatment is of suffi-
waste. The households have the responsibility
A 50 percent reduction of waste going to
cient quality that it is suitable for crop pro-
to separate paper, packaging, electric waste,
landfills, excluding mining waste, by the
batteries, and bulky waste and to leave this
By 2015, at the latest, at least 60 percent
waste for the collection systems available.
By 2010, at the latest, a minimum of 50
of phosphorus pollution in effluent shall be
Households also have the responsibility to fol-
percent of household waste shall be recov-
treated and used on productive lands, of
low the regulations for waste management
ered through material recycling, including
which at least half should be used on arable
biological treatment.
land.
within their municipality.
year 2005 compared to levels in 1994.
duction.
Waste management is prioritized according
By 2010, at the latest, a minimum of 35
to a five step waste hierarchy: waste preven-
percent of food waste from households,
tion, reuse, material recycling, recovery for
restaurants, large-scale kitchens, and
example energy recovery and last, disposal.
stores shall be recycled through biological
The most important treatment methods for
produces long-lasting fertilizer used as soil
in the constitutional law. The local authorities
waste are:
improver in gardens, parks and for ground
can choose management mode or municipal
Material recycling
installations.
undertakings, separate or joint with other
Waste incineration is an efficient and envi-
municipalities. Cooperation is also possible
Waste-to-Energy
ronmentally safe method for producing energy
with a joint committee or local government
Landfill
from waste. Every year it produces heating
federation. There are also local authorities
which corresponds to the need of 810,000
who collaborate on specific matters, such as
Hazardous waste can be treated with one or
households, approximately 20 percent of all
joint procurements. To many local authorities
several of these methods, depending on the
the district heating produced. It also produces
collaboration is a natural solution to attain the
character of the waste.
electricity which corresponds to the need of
best possible environmental and social bene-
more than 250,000 houses.
fits, to achieve cost-efficient treatment and to
Recycling of packaging, paper, scrap, and

electric waste, reduce the environmental
impact and save energy and resources.
Landfilling is a necessary treatment method
guarantee the competence required.
for such waste which cannot or should not be
In 75 percent of municipalities the collec-
Biological treatment is implemented through
recovered or treated in another way. Through
tion of household waste is managed by exter-
anaerobic digestion or composting. Anaerobic
landfilling, waste is kept in a long-term safe
nal actors, private companies, while the rest is
digestion produces biogas which can be used
way, and the treatment method is controlled
managed by the municipalities themselves. In
as vehicle fuel. The biogas produced from
by a strict regulatory framework.
the same way, waste treatment is effected
waste is equivalent to 30 million liters of pet-
The local authorities can choose how to
either by the municipalities themselves or by
rol. Anaerobic digestion also produces diges-
organize the waste management. This possi-
an external actor, often a municipal enterprise
tate which is an excellent nutrient. Composting
bility of municipal self-government is laid down
or sometimes a private company.
Collection and transport
The fastest growing collection method for
Several of the municipalities have also intro-
The most common ways to collect the house-
household waste is for members of house-
duced a barrier gate system at recycling cent-
hold waste in bins and bags is either as a
holds themselves to drop off bulky waste and
ers to improve the safety, to get a functional
mixed waste fraction intended for waste-to-
hazardous waste at one of the municipalities
system for access control and to obtain more
energy incineration, or through two separated
manned recycling centers. There are about
accurate visiting statistics. This system is
waste fractions one for food waste and one
650 recycling centers in the country and the
often combined with an entry card which gives
for combustible waste.
quantities of bulky waste, as well as the
households the right to a certain number of
Collection in bags constitutes a working
number of visitors, have increased in recent
free visits. For a fee, small entrepreneurs also
environment risk and has therefore become
years. During 2008 approximately 1,400,000
have the possibility to use the services offered
considerably less common. Mixed combusti-
tons of waste was handed to the municipal
at the recycling centers in several of the
ble waste from single-family houses is in most
recycling centers, which corresponds to 154
municipalities.
cases collected in 190 liter wheelie bins and
kg per person. Each recycling center received
The producers system, with approximately
emptied every other week. Other than this,
on average 8,240 visitors that year, or 5,3 mil-
5,800 unmanned recycling stations for pack-
there are a number of different bag and bin
lion visitors in total.
aging and paper, are located around the coun-
sizes which are collected and emptied in vari-
Bulky waste is household waste that is too
try. Collection systems should be formed in
ous intervals. Waste from apartment blocks is
heavy, too bulky or for other reasons inappro-
consultation with both producers and local
normally collected weekly. Traditional back-
priate for collection in bags or bins. It may be
authorities. The recycling stations have sepa-
loading vehicles are still the most common
for example broken furniture, toys, bicycles, or
rate containers for newspaper and different
when it comes to waste collection, but the
baby prams, but can also include garden
types of packaging materials. Several munici-
technology for multi-compartmented vehicles
waste or certain demolition waste. At the recy-
palities have implemented curbside collection
is developing and becoming more and more
cling centers, the main part of households
of material which falls under producers
popular, while side-loading vehicles account
bulky waste, hazardous waste and waste from
responsibility, from apartment blocks and
for a more constant share of the operators
electric and electronic equipment (WEEE) can
detached house properties, a collection sys-
vehicle fleet. An increasing number of vehicles
be handed in.
tem which is becoming more common.
use biogas as fuel, which the local authorities
Several of the recycling centers in the coun-
Almost half of all municipalities in the coun-
try have had problems with burglaries and
try now have collection systems for source-
may control through purchasing requirements.
thefts in the last years. There have also been
separated food waste. The most common col-
Waste collection previously led to many
incidents where staff at the centers has been
lection systems are collections with separate
work-related injuries. Daily heavy lifting was
threatened by visitors. Due to this, most of the
containers, one for bio-waste and one for com-
part of the job in the past, and waste collec-
bigger and recently built recycling centers
bustible waste, collections with a multi-com-
tion required workers to be in good physical
have installed electric fences, which have con-
partment system, or through optical sorting of
condition. Only a few waste collectors were
siderably reduced the number of burglaries.
different colored bags that are placed into the
able to work until the average retirement age.
same container.
Today, the situation is different. Bags have
been replaced with bins or other types of con-
system. It is thereafter transported through
vehicle connects to the docking point for emp-
tainers. Manual handling of waste is being
underground tubes, which connect the inlets
tying, the vacuum system is turned on and air
replaced by new technology and automated
with big containers placed in a terminal. With
transports the waste from the different stor-
systems, such as refuse vacuum pipes and
this technique the waste can be transported
age tanks to the docking point and further
underground container systems. Both of these
up to a distance of two kilometers from the
onto the vehicle. Mobile vacuum collection
systems are becoming more common, particu-
inlets. The number of containers varies and
systems require specialized vehicles.
larly in bigger cities. One of several advantag-
depends, on the one hand, upon the number
Another collection system that is on the rise
es is that they do not require heavy manual
of collected fractions, and on the other hand,
is the underground container system. By plac-
handling. From the point of view of health and
on the waste volumes. The containers are col-
ing containers underground, the need for
safety at work, vacuum collection systems are
lected by hook-lift vehicles.
space on the street level is reduced. The tem-
good since they are sealed and completely
The mobile vacuum collection system also
perature below the street level, where the
automated. This type of collection system
uses air to collect the waste. However, here
waste is contained, is relatively low, which
reduces the need for waste transportation,
the vacuum technique originates from the
prevents odor, and the containers can be eas-
especially in residential areas.
vehicle. Positioned under each input is a stor-
ily emptied with a crane truck. There are also
There are two kinds of vacuum collection
age tank. The tanks are connected, via an
underground containers which are emptied
systems, a stationary system and a mobile
underground pipe system, to a so called dock-
with front-loading vehicles. Since the under-
system. With the stationary system the waste
ing point which could be placed at a maximum
ground containers can hold bigger volumes,
is collected using air in an automated vacuum
distance of 300 meters from the tanks. The
the level of transports is reduced.
Great importance is given to forming and designing

waste disposal areas today.
There are different types of vacuum collection

systems. What they have in common is that they
are closed and automated.
Underground containers will reduce the need

for space above street level, and the system
also reduces the level of transports.
7
Waste quantities 2008
In the last years, waste quantities have
different treatment methods over the last
or 4.6 percent. 1,657,840 tons of packaging,
increased by approximately 3-4 percent each
years. 97 percent of household waste is recov-
paper, electric waste and metal from the
year. However, the figures from 2008 have
ered, while only 3 percent goes to landfills, a
municipal recycling centers was taken care of
stayed more or less the same compared to
reduction of close to 25 percent compared
through recycling.
2007. The fact that the previous increase has
with 2007.
2,292,970 tons of household waste was
leveled off is very likely an effect of the reces-
Material recycling has decreased some-
treated through incineration with energy recov-
sion. There is a close connection between the
what, and is now at 35 percent, while incinera-
ery, an increase of 4.7 percent and more than
economic situation and consumption, and
tion with energy recovery has increased, and
100,000 tons.
between consumption and waste quantities
is now 48.5 percent. Biological treatment,
Landfill disposal continues to decrease.
lower consumption leads to reduced waste
anaerobic digestion or composting, has also
140,250 tons of household waste went to
quantities.
increased and now represents 12.6 percent.
landfills in 2008. This is a decrease of 46,000

tons from the previous year, or 24.8 percent.
In 2008, a total of 4,731,660 tons of house-
597,280 tons of household waste was treated
hold waste was treated, a small increase of
biologically last year, which is an increase of
Hazardous waste still represents 0.9 per-
0.3 percent compared to 2007. If divided over
close to 36,000 tons or 6.4 percent. Park and
cent of treated household waste. 43,320 tons
the population, this means that each Swedish
garden waste as well as food waste are includ-
was collected last year. Almost half of that
resident produces 511,2 kg of waste per year.
ed in those figures.
waste was impregnated wood, 21,380 tons, a
There have not been any significant chang-
Material recycling, excluding biological treat-
es regarding the division of waste between
ment, has decreased by close to 80,000 tons
fraction which has increased considerably in

the last years.
QUANTITY OF TREATED HOUSEHOLD WASTE 20042008 (TONS)

2004
2005
Hazardous waste
25,700
26,400
Material recovery
1,384,760
1,474,280
433,830
454,450
Incineration with energy recovery
1,944,290
2,181,890
Landfilling
380,000
210,110
Total
4,168,580
4,347,130
2006
38,960
1,657,520
469,880
2,107,860
226,000
4,500,220
2007
40,880
1,737,720
561,300
2,190,980
186,490
4,717,370
2008
43,320
1,657,840
597,280
2,292,970
140,250
4,731,660
QUANTITY OF TREATED HOUSEHOLD WASTE 20042008 (KG/PERSON)

2004
2005
Hazardous waste
2.9
2.9
Material recovery
153.7
162.9
48.1
50.2
215.8
241.2
Landfilling
42.2
23.2
Total
462.6
480.5
2006
4.3
181.9
51.6
231.3
24.8
493.8
2007
4.5
189.2
61.1
238.6
20.3
513.7
2008
4.7
179.1
64.5
247.7
15.2
511.2
2006
0.9
36.8
10.4
46.8
5.0
100
2007
0.9
36.8
11.9
46.4
4.0
100
2008
0.9
35.0
12.6
48.5
3.0
100
QUANTITY OF TREATED HOUSEHOLD WASTE 20042008 (%)

Hazardous waste
Material recovery
Landfilling
Total
2004
0.6
33.2
10.4
46.6
9.1
100
2005
0.6
33.9
10.5
50.2
4.8
100
Source: Avfall Sverige
WASTE STATISTICS
Summary 1998-2008
million tons
5
tons
2,500,000
The quantities of household waste

are no longer increasing; a clear
effect of the recession. Reduced consumption leads to reduced waste
quantities. Sweden is today recycling
97 percent of its household waste.
2,000,000
1,500,000
1,000,000
500,000
0
-98
-99
-00
2009
-01
-02
-03
-04
-05
-06
-07
Hazardous waste
Landfilling
Material recovery
-08
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Total quantity of treated household waste

Hazardous waste
Material recovery
Landfilling
Tons
43,320
1,65,840
597,280
2,292,970
140,250
%
0.9
35.0
12.6
48.5
3.0
Total

4,731,660
100
Hazardous waste
10
In 2008, 43,320 tons of hazardous waste was
ed amounts were, impregnated wood exclud-
collected from households, an increase of 6.0
ed, 21,940 tons, a reduction of 6 percent
ities have had this responsibility included in

their Municipal Waste Regulation Ordinance
percent compared to 2007. On average, 4.7 kg
compared to the previous year.
for a long time.
of hazardous waste per capita was handed in.
Hazardous waste can be toxic, carcinogenic,
There are no precise statistics of the
The figures include lead-acid batteries, small
corrosive, mutagenic, ecotoxic, infectious, or
amounts of hazardous waste from industries,
batteries and impregnated wood, a fraction
flammable. Hazardous substances may occur
but according to the official Swedish waste
which has steadily increased over recent years
in very small amounts in various products, but
statistics, reported to the EU by the Swedish
and today constitutes close to half of all haz-
could all together cause great damage if they
Environmental Protection Agency, Swedish
ardous waste from households. 21,380 tons
end up in the wrong place. It is therefore
households and enterprises produced 2.8 mil-
of impregnated wood was collected last year,
important that hazardous waste is separated
lion tons of hazardous waste in 2006, includ-
which is an increase of 22 percent compared
and handed in correctly.
ing electrical waste, scrap vehicles etc.
to 2007. Hazardous waste, including impreg-
Local authorities are responsible for collec-
nated wood, represented 0.9 percent of
tion, transport and treatment of hazardous
household waste.
A new producers responsibility for batteries

went into effect on January 1st, 2009.
household waste. The responsibility is regu-
The new regulations gives the battery pro-
But at the same time as the quantities of
lated by legislation. Households are responsi-
ducers a responsibility to collect, treat, recycle
impregnated wood increase, other kinds of
ble for separating hazardous waste from other
and dispose all batteries regardless of when
hazardous waste are decreasing. The collect-
household waste. The majority of local author-
they appeared on the market.
In 2008, the municipalities collected 1,826
Hazardous waste handed to treatment facili-
tons of small batteries, both hazardous and
ties often requires pre-treatment in order to
treatment of paint cans, oil filters and flores-
non-hazardous, an average of 0.2 kg per per-
facilitate further treatment. Since hazardous
cent tubes. Lead and cadmium can be recy-
son. Compared to 2007 this constitutes an
waste contains hazardous substances, the
cled through the re-melting of batteries. Toxic
increase of 8.8 percent.
treatment often aims at destroying these sub-
and persistent organic substances, such as
The most common collection system regard-
stances. Substance which cannot be rendered
pesticides and other hazardous chemical
ing hazardous waste is collection at manned
harmless or be reused will be landfilled. In
wastes, are incinerated at high temperatures.
municipal recycling centers. Several munici-
these cases it is important that the waste is
Contaminated soil can be decontaminated
palities have stopped using the previously
stabilized chemically and physically so hazard-
through biodegradation. Impregnated wood
common unmanned recycling stations and
ous substances do not leak to surrounding
contains ecologically harmful substances such
have instead introduced some kind of curb-
areas.
as arsenic, creosote, and copper. Collected
side collection. Approximately one third of all
New treatment methods regarding recycling
municipalities in the country offer curbside
of hazardous waste have been developed,
collection, often in combination with several
which involve the separation of hazardous
other collection systems.
substances and the recycling of the remaining
QUANTITY OF HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTED

tons
45,000
parts. The method is for instance used for
wood is chipped and incinerated in specially

licensed waste-to-energy plants.
Collection of small batteries 20022008

kg/person
0.25
40,000
0.20
35,000
30,000
0.15
25,000
20,000
0.10
15,000
10,000
0.05
5,000
0
-98 -99 -00 -01 -02 -03 -04 -05 -06 -07 -08
-02
-03
-04
-05
-06
-07
-08
Quantity of hazardous waste collected (excl. impregnated wood)

Quantity of hazardous waste collected (inc. impregnated wood)
11
Waste from electric and electronic equipment
151,700 tons of waste from electrical and elec-
the collection of electrical and electronic
Components containing hazardous substances,
tronic equipment (WEEE) was collected in
waste and the producers are responsible for
i.e. hazardous waste, are treated in approved
2008, a reduction of 5.4 percent compared to
its treatment.
treatment facilities. Plastic casings are incin-
2007. On average, 16.4 kg per person was col-
Collection of this waste is primarily carried
erated in waste-to-energy plants, and metal is
lected in 2008. The previous year, the average
out at the manned municipal recycling cent-
recycled in smelting plants. Fluorescent tubes
was 17.4 kg per person. There is a clear con-
ers, of which there are approximately 650
and low-energy bulbs contain mercury. These
nection between the economic situation, con-
throughout the country. In some municipalities
products are therefore separated and treated
sumption, and waste production. The reduction
this is complemented by curbside collection.
in a closed process. The glass and metal con-
is likely to be a result of the recession and of
Avfall Sverige and El-Kretsen collaborate with
tents are recycled, and methods enabling the
smaller and lighter products.
several local authorities on different projects
recycling of the phosphorus powder with its
Since the producers responsibility was
to develop these collection systems. An exam-
mercury content, are being developed.
introduced in Sweden, local authorities and
ple of this is the collection of light bulbs and
It happens that old electronic products are
producers have cooperated in the manage-
smaller electric and electronic waste into
donated to other countries as charity, for what
ment of WEEE. Avfall Sverige Swedish Waste
small containers, which are placed in stores
may seem like a good cause, but this is how-
Management, the Swedish Association of
and other public places.
ever not environmental friendly. From an envi-
Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR), and
WEEE is pretreated through sorting and
ronmental point of view, it is better to have
the electrical producers service company,
dismantling before it is sent on for further
these products recycled in Sweden, where we
El-Kretsen, together created the system,
treatment. Pretreatment is carried out in certi-
have methods to treat such waste in an envi-
El-retur, in 2001. The collaboration means
fied facilities, and are latern forwarded to final
ronmentally sound way.
that local authorities assume responsibility for
treatment and recycling.
WEEE 20042008 (tons)

Large white goods (excl. fridges and freezers)
Other household appliances
IT , office equipment, telecom
TV , Audio, Video
Cameras, watches, toys
Lamps electrical fittings
Others
Total
Fridges and freezers
Total
2004
36,800
10,200
17,700
15,700
200
5,800
900
87,300
21,800
109,100
2005
36,300
12,300
22,700
21,000
300
6,700
2,200
101,500
25,000
126,500
2006
45,500
11,900
27,600
26,300
300
7,900
2,400
121,900
28,000
149,900
2007
45,500
12,600
30,800
30,400
300
7,900
2,300
129,800
30,500
160,300
2008
42,000
10,100
28,100
32,900
600
6,300
2,900
122,900
28,800
151,700
Source: El-Kretsen
12
MATERIAL RECYCLING
Material recycling including biological treat-
and corresponds to 35 percent of all treated
packaging has increased, meaning that a
ment, decreased by almost 2 percent in 2008
household waste.
greater extent of packages and newspapers
compared to the previous year. Material recy-
Metal waste from households handed to the
cling accounted for 2,255,120 tons, which
recycling centers, such as bicycles and garden
The presented figures on quantities of
represents 243.6 kg per person. The Swedish
furniture, have increased every year, but
paper, plastic and metal packaging are based
Parliament has set the goal of having at least
decreased by 28,000 tons between 2007 and
on packaging quantities reported by produc-
50 percent of household waste going to mate-
2008. Last year, 152,000 tons of metal waste
tion companies, which pay fees to the so
rial recycling, including biological treatment,
was collected for recycling, which is 16.4 kg
called REPA Register (producer responsibility
by 2010. Last year the material recycling
per person. That is almost the same quantity
register for packaging). Packaging is mainly
reached 47.6 percent.
as in 2006.
collected through the some 5,800 unmanned
put on the market gets recycled.
The part of material recycling which includes
One explanation for the reduced quantities
recycling stations that producers control.
packaging, paper, electrical waste, as well as
of waste going to material recycling is the eco-
However, it can also be collected at the
bulky waste collected as metal fraction in
nomic recession. Reduced consumption leads
manned municipal recycling centers. Several
municipal recycling centers, decreased to
to reduced waste quantities. At the same time,
municipalities have introduced curbside col-
1,657,840 tons, which is 179.1 kg per person
recycling of newspapers and some types of
lection of newspapers and packaging.
Material recycling households

tons
2,000,000
1,800,000
1,600,000
1,400,000
1,200,000
1,000,000
800,000
600,000
400,000
200,000
0
1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
13
The amount of newspaper collected decreased
32,660 tons of metal packaging was recycled
Plastic and glass are the only types of packag-
to 459,000 tons in 2008. The recycling rate
last year, which is 67 percent of the quantity
ing where the collected quantities have
however went up to 89 percent; the target rate
available on the market. The recycling target
increased since 2007.
of 75 percent was achieved a long time ago.
was 70 percent.
50,310 tons, or 30.5 percent, of plastic
authorities have made a joint agreement with
decreased to 156,000 tons, which is approxi-
packaging went to material recycling in 2008.
increased recycling as the common objective.
mately 68.1 percent of the amount produced
48,750 tons went to waste-to-energy incinera-
The joint agreement aims to provide clearer
on the market. The result thereby exceeds the
tion, which is 29.5 percent. That adds up to a
information, better methods of evaluating serv-
voluntary target of 50 percent.
total recovery rate of 60 percent of plastic
ices, research and development, locally adjust-
482,000 tons of paper packaging paper,
packaging. The governments recovery target is
ed systems and better coordinated planning of
paper packaging and corrugated cardboard
70 percent, of which 30 percent should go to
the waste management as a whole.
was recycled in 2008. The joint recycling target
material recycling.
for all packaging made from paper fibers was
14
Producers of packaging and paper and local
The amount of office paper that was collected
174,170 tons, or 93.6 percent, of glass
65 percent, while the recycling rate for last
packaging was recycled. The recycling target
year was 74 percent.
was 70 percent.
Recycling 2008
[Tons]
[kg/person]
Recovery degree %
Paper
459,000
49.6
89
Office paper
156,000
16.9
68.1
Cardboard packages
482,000
52.1
74
Metal packages
32,660
3.5
67
Plastic packages
50,310
5.4
30.5
Glass packages
174,170
18.8
93.6
WEEE
122,900
13.3
80
Refrigeration units
28,800
3.1
95
Metal from household waste
152,000
16.4
95
Total
1,657,840
179.1

* 29.5 % waste-to-energy. Total recovery degree 60 %.
** Of which 30 % waste-to-energy

Recycling of household waste 2004-2008 (TONS)

2004
2005
2006
2007
Paper
448,000
483,000
483,000
474,000
Office paper
128,000
135,000
153,000
164,000
Cardboard packages
375,000
380,000
486,790
504,000
Metal packages
33,500
33,700
33,700
35,300
Plastic packages
29,400
31,080
42,130
49,120
Glass packages
152,020
155,000
159,000
171,100
WEEE
87,000
101,500
121,900
129,700
Refrigeration units
21,840
25,000
28,000
30,500
Metal from household waste
110,000
130,000
150,000
180,000
Total
1,384,760
1,474,280
1,657,520
1,737,720
Target %
75
65
70
70 */**
70
2008
459,000
156,000
482,000
32,660
50,310
174,170
122,900
28,800
152,000
1,657,840
Source: Frpacknings- och tidningsinsamlingen, El-Kretsen and Avfall Sverige
15
Last year, 597,280 tons of household waste
Waste analysis shows that every Swedish resi-
In order to use biogas as vehicle fuel it needs
was biologically treated. An increase of 6.4
dent produces close to 100 kg of food waste
to be upgraded. In 2008, 280,000 MWh of
percent compared to 2007. In total that means
every year, mainly from fruit and vegetables.
biogas was produced, which is equivalent to
that 64.5 kg of food waste and green waste
The most common system used for source
30 million liters of petrol. Biogas is today pri-
per person was biologically treated in 2008.
separation of food waste in single-family hous-
marily used as vehicle fuel, a market which is
The biological treatment now stands for 12.6
es is two separate bins, one for food waste
developing quickly.
percent of the total quantity of treated house-
and one for combustible waste. There is also a
Anaerobic digestion also produces diges-
hold waste.
system where different fractions are separat-
tate, which is an excellent fertilizer. 389,350
133 of 290 municipalities already have
ed into separate containers. Another collec-
tons of digestate was produced in 2008, of
more or less implemented systems for collec-
tion system, which is used, is optic sorting of
which 96 percent was used in farming. The
tion of food waste. 22 of these only collect
different colored bags that are put into the
remaining 4 percent was either dehydrated
food waste from restaurants and large-scale
same container. Through anaerobic diges-
and/or processed with after-composting.
kitchens, while the remaining 111 municipali-
tion of biological waste, biogas, consisting of
The compost produced at plants is mainly
ties have systems for households as well.
methane and carbon dioxide, is produced.
used as soil improver or in soil mixtures.
These municipalities represent half of the
Biogas is renewable and the most environ-
Plants which produce compost or digestate
Swedish population. According to a study car-
mentally sound fuel available, and can be
from source separated bio-waste, including
ried out by Avfall Sverige, an additional 90
used for vehicle fuel, heating and electricity
food waste from the food industry, can have
municipalities are planning to introduce sys-
generation.
their product quality marked. The quality
tems for source-separation of food waste. The

same study shows that all municipalities need
to act in order to reach the environmental
objective. According to Avfall Sveriges calculations, an estimated 20 percent of the food
waste was biologically treated in 2008.
biological treatment
tons
600,000
500,000
400,000
300,000
200,000
100,000
0
16
1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
assurance
system
going through the process of having their prod-
has been developed
ucts certified. Eight biogas plants and three
esses in treatment plants. Even though the
by
composting plants have obtained certificates.
emissions from biogas plants are low, they
Avfall
among
Sverige,
organic material and in biogas upgrading proc-
others.
A voluntary undertaking to minimize the
should be minimized for several reasons. They
Certification places
emissions from biogas and upgrading plants,
can be attended to by putting a larger focus on
requirements on the
was initiated by Avfall Sverige and further
operational issues. Approximately 30 biogas
entire waste manage-
developed throughout 2008. Air emissions
and upgrading plants have signed up for the
ment chain, from the incoming waste to the
may arise from different stages of biological
voluntary undertaking.
final product. A number of plants are currently
treatment through anaerobic digestion of
17
Composting
Total (tons)
of which household waste
Alingss
Borlnge
Bors
Eslv
Fagersta
Gllivare
Gteborg
Habo
Halmstad
Helsingborg
Huddinge
Hssleholm
Karlshamn
Karlskrona
Klippan
Kungsbacka
Ludvika
Lule
Malm
Motala
Mrrum
Norrtlje
Sala
Sdertlje
Trans
Tby
Uppsala
Vsters
rebro
stersund
verkalix
3,620
12,400
8,950
16,310
4,090
6,920
25,430
790
25,420
55,320
12,900
12,300
12,240
7,830
9,050
6,500
7,450
18,370
32,660
2,610
14,500
1,040
9,720
9,800
1,730
30,210
10,880
9,910
9,600
12,810
740
3,510
11,810
2,670
12,010
780
560
24,410
290
1,760
39,940
12,900
10,120
9,740
7,830
7,160
360
4,600
11,940
32,660
2,610
12,010
970
6,250
5,100
500
23,240
9,280
6,900
9,600
6,260
230
Total
Other plants
392,100
176,600
278,000
176,600
Total
568,700
454,600
18
Bjuv
Boden
Bors
Eskilstuna
Falkping
Helsingborg
Huddinge
Jnkping
Kalmar
Kristianstad
Laholm
Linkping
Skellefte
Skvde
Uppsala
Vetlanda
Vnersborg
Vsters
Total
2005
Total (tons)
52,000
2,510
15,870
2,940
7,060
65,540
910
4,490
21,990
81,340
59,170
40,700
5,300
3,550
6,560
2,550
12,700
20,400
405,580
0
1,400
4,670
2,940
3,210
15,210
610
1,780
0
4,300
900
0
3,420
0
2,290
2,550
10,100
14,3000
67,680
2007
2008
Anaerobic digestion
244,374
258,071
283,729
356,087
Composting
389,384
459,827
452,388
515,294
Total biological treatment
633,758
717,710
736,117
871,380
of which food waste
107,028
118,960
134,994
166,807
Total quantity of household waste treated biologically*
433,830
454,450
469,877
561,303

Digestate (tons)
211,080
251,840
272,730
336,100
Biogas (MWh)
118,900
161,600
181,270
228,810

Vehicle gas (MWh)
70,170
68,600
80,180
112,860
Electricity (MWh)
6,230
1,260
1,680
1,230
Heating (MWh)
38,230
61,620
63,600
67,960
Crude gas (MWh)
0
19,130
26,250
36,370
405,580
568,700
974,280
162,680
597,280
* Including 75,000 tons of home composting.
2004
Anaerobic digestion
2006
389,350
280,000
162,420
700
48,740
42,300
Waste-to-energy
In 2008, 2,292,970 tons of household waste
only gathers information from the incineration
Imported waste used for energy recovery has
went to incineration with energy recovery
plants treating household waste.
increased in recent years and has become an
(waste-to-energy). That was an increase of
Sweden has placed strict regulations on air
increasingly important source of Swedish dis-
100,000 tons compared to 2007. Divided over
and water emissions from waste incineration
trict energy systems. An evaluation on the cli-
the Swedish population, 247 kg of household
since the middle of the 1980s. Emissions
mate impact of imported waste going to waste-
waste per person was incinerated last year.
have been reduced by 90-99 percent since
to-energy incineration**, carried out by Avfall
Waste-to-energy accounts for 48.5 percent of
that time. Apart from stricter regulations,
Sverige Swedish Waste Management and
the total amount of treated household waste.
other factors such as progressing technologi-
Swedish District Heating Association, shows
Expansion and improvement of effective-
cal development and improved waste separa-
that the emissions of greenhouse gases, due
ness have led to increased energy recovery in
tion have contributed to reduced emissions.
to the import of waste to Swedish district heat-
the last years. 13.7 TWh of energy was pro-
The remains from incineration consist of
duced through incineration, of which 12.2
bottom ash from the furnace, 15-20 percent
TWh was used for heating and 1.5 TWh for
by weight of the treated waste, and flue gas
The main reason for the large emission
electricity. That corresponds to electricity for
treatment residues, 3-5 percent by weight.
reduction is that imports replace waste treat-
250,000 normal sized homes, and heating for
Part of the slag goes to landfills, while slag
ment in the country of origin. This includes,
810,000 homes. A study on European waste-
gravel may be used as substitute to natural
first of all, landfilling which reduce emissions
to-energy production shows that Sweden has
gravel in, for example, road and landfill con-
of methane considerably, a very potent green-
the highest rate of energy recovery from waste
struction work. The flue gas treatment resi-
house gas. The report shows that the trans-
incineration*.
dues are either transported to landfills or used
portation of waste in comparison only margin-
for neutralization when refilling mines.
ally adds to the greenhouse emissions.
In addition, 2,273,840 tons of other waste
ing facilities, decreased by 500,000 tons of

CO2 equivalents in 2007.
was treated, mainly industrial waste. The total
In 2008, the new EU Waste Framework
Waste-to-energy incineration is a sanitary
amount of incinerated waste was 4,566,810
Directive was approved, stating that efficient
and environmentally sound treatment method
tons, and more or less the same amount of
waste-to-energy treatment is considered recy-
of such waste which cannot or should not be
household waste and other waste was treated
cling.
treated otherwise.
at the plants. Waste incineration with energy
In Sweden, one new incineration plant and
recovery also takes place in plants which do
two new boilers were put into service in 2008.
not treat household waste. There are no statis-
There are 29 plants for incineration of house-
tics on the total amount of energy recovery
hold waste, which will continue to expand in
through waste incineration, since Avfall Sverige
2009 and 2010.
* Energy from waste An international perspective

Avfall Sverige report 2009:05 is available for download
at www.avfallsveige.se
** Klimatpverkan frn import av brnnbart avfall
Avfall Sverige report U2009:06 is available for download
at www.avfallsverige.se
19
Processed waste (tons)
Energy recovery (MWh)
Plant (town)
Household waste
Total
Heating
Electricity
Avesta
Boden
Bollns
Borlnge
Bors
Eksj
Finspng
Gteborg
Halmstad
Hssleholm
Jnkping
Karlskoga
Karlstad
Kil
Kiruna
Kumla
Kping
Lidkping
Linkping
Ljungby
Malm
Mora
Norrkping
Skvde
Stockholm
Sundsvall
Sdertlje
Uddevalla
Ume Dva
Uppsala
Vstervik
21,210
30,210
22,580
9,130
29,680
32,840
23,350
292,310
94,020
9,880
56,690
33,160
47,710
0
31,120
41,210
14,670
56,910
177,380
51,400
216,140
10,660
102,670
25,880
429,450
138,110
0
20,190
92,660
171,410
10,350
48,530
67,390
48,540
30,880
96,330
54,050
30,390
453,010
185,290
40,740
149,550
99,710
54,800
12,590
60,000
145,310
27,160
96,240
396,750
57,600
440,580
14,070
196,930
52,220
688,260
209,000
239,280
35,810
153,000
343,800
39,030
157,040
191,000
122,270
80,650
233,630
94,000
67,330
1,226,370
435,340
117,840
348,810
332,000
166,350
35,240
126,510
228,300
72,530
292,510
1,024,120
130,300
1,246,030
40,520
431,600
152,670
1,842,160
460,000
823,450
77,660
390,500
1,134,810
115,080
0
19,500
0
730
32,650
12,180
0
233,790
61,770
6,600
106,400
35,000
0
0
23,270
59,950
0
23,680
130,190
19,920
180,310
0
70,750
12,300
327,030
88,000
0
1,710
81,890
0
0
2,292,970
4,566,810
12,196,620
1,527,600
Total
Avfall Sveriges statistics encompass waste-to-energy plants for household waste. Most plants also accept other waste.
The plants in Sdertlje and Kil are included despite this definition.
20
Energy recovery and emissions
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
Incineration (tons)
Household waste
1,944,290
2,181,890
2,107,860
2,190,980
Other waste
1,243,840
1,637,440
1,991,940
2,279,710
Total
3,188,130
3,819,330
4,099,800
4,470,690
2,292,970
2,273,840
4,566,810
Production (MWh)
Heat
8,548,850
10,168,190
10,270,290
12,151,270
Electricity
739,060
943,270
1,187,390
1,482,750
Total
9,287,910
11,111,460
11,457,680
13,634,020
12,196,620
1,527,600
13,724,220
Emissions to air (tons)

Dust
25
39
33
24
HCl
106
98
55
60
340
310
175
196
SOx (SO2)
NOx (NO2)
1734
1904
2180
2101
30
39
154
2190
Emissions to air*
Hg (kg)
38
33
39
36
44
Cd + Tl (kg)
5
21
15
6
6
Pb (kg)
95
77
54
51
136
Dioxin (g)
1
1.1
0.8
0.5
0.8

Bottom ash (tons)
485,000
550,850
598,545
649,680
693,140
APC residues (tons)
138,000
160,920
176,298
183,370
202,920

* Emission values are presented according to the rules for waste incineration.
Processed waste
Energy recovery
tons
5,000,000
5
MWh
15,000,000
15
4,000,000
4
12,000,000
12
3
3,000,000
9,000,0009
2
2,000,000
6,000,0006
1
1,000,000
3,000,0003
-91
-96
-01
-06 -07 -08
Total amount of waste treated by Waste-to-Energy
-91
-96
Production
-01
Heat
-06 -07 -08
Of which household waste
21
Landfill
In 2008, 140,250 tons of household waste
closed landfill sites cover an estimated area of
leachate have higher quality standards on
was landfilled. A decrease of 46,000 tons,
25 km2, and are capped with a final cover.
sludge than before, in order to meet the
24.8 percent, compared to 2007. This corre-
Every year approximately 6-8 million tons of
requirements for certification and so it can be
sponds to 15.2 kg per person. 3.0 percent of
material is used for final covers of landfill
used in farming. Local leachate treatment
all household waste was landfilled in 2008.
sites. Natural material is not always available,
includes biological treatment to reduce the
In 2008, a total of 1,670,000 tons of waste
and in many cases, residues, such as con-
emissions of nutrients. Leachate will however
was deposited at the Swedish landfill sites for
taminated soil, ashes, sludge etc., is used
change character in the long run, since depos-
municipal waste, a decrease of 324,000 ton
instead. The estimated total cost for final cov-
iting of organic waste in landfills was forbidden
compared to the year before.
ering of the landfill sites is 6 billion SEK.
in 2005. An average sized landfill site, which
In 1994, Avfall Sverige started to collect
During 2008, landfill gas was recovered
will still be running after the turn of the year
statistics on household waste deposited as
from 47 active sites. Approximately 310 GWh
2008/2009, will annually treat approximately
landfill. The amount of landfilled waste has
was used for energy production, of which 24
80,000 m3 of leachate.
decreased considerably since then, and in
GWh was used for electricity. An additional 65
At modern landfill sites, waste disposal is
2003 the environmental objective, to halve
GWh of landfill gas was flared. Energy is not
only part of the business conducted. They also
the waste going to landfills compared with
produced from flaring, but methane emissions
attend to the separation of waste materials
1994, was achieved.
are reduced. Gas produced in separate diges-
going to treatment, to transport on to recovery
tion plants at landfill sites is presented in the
and recycling, and to energy recovery.
section on biological treatment.
Sometimes the landfill sites also serve as
The 31 of December 2008 much stricter

st
EU regulations regarding landfill took effect,
22
and almost half of all landfill sites for munici-
An increasing number of landfill sites have
temporary storage of large quantities of waste,
pal waste were closed. Approximately 80 are
local treatment of the leachate. One of the
such as paper and glass, which fall under the
still open. 21 of these sites accept hazardous
reasons for this is that several of the municipal
producers responsibility.
waste, while 5 are limited to inert waste. The
sewage plants that used to take care of the
Landfilled waste quantity

8000000
tons
7,000,000
6,000,000
5,000,000
4,000,000
3,000,000
2,000,000
1,000,000
0
-94 -95 -96 -97 -98 -99 -00 -01 -02 -03 -04 -05 -06 -07 -08
Quantity of waste deposited
Of which household waste
Deposited quantity 19942008 (tons)

Deposited quantity
6,080,000
5,340,000
5,050,000
4,750,000
4,800,000
4,900,000
4,450,000
4,240,000
3,770,000
2,940,000
2,480,000
1,940,000
1,830,000
1,994,000
1,670,000
1,380,000
1,200,000
1,110,000
1,150,000
1,020,000
920,000
865,000
880,000
825,000
575,000
380,000
210,000
226,000
186,000
140,000
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
The presented figures on household waste are not completely authentic since there
are fractions of actual household waste which not always can be separated from
other waste.
New landfill sites which fulfill the stricter requirements are

built in several places in Sweden.
Energy recovery at the landfill sites (MWh)

Energy recovery
Of which electricity
Flaring
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
370,000
25,000
50,000
340,000
20,000
70,000
282,200
20,800
60,200
290,100
22,600
52,100
310,800
23,700
65,100
23
24
Household waste only represents a small part of the total waste volume. 112 million
ton waste was treated in Sweden in 2006 according to the official statistics, of which
household waste only accounted for 4.5 million tons.
Waste other than household waste
Collected data on waste other than household
tics present waste quantities produced and
The largest waste volumes come from the min-
waste is found in the official statistics pre-
waste quantities treated, separately. There
ing industry, followed by the wood industry and
sented to the EU by the Swedish Environmental
are several reasons as to why the figures for
the construction industry. 62 million tons of
Protection Agency. According to the EUs Waste
waste treated are smaller than the figures for
mining waste, approximately 22 million tons of
Statistics Directive, each member state must
waste produced. For example, not all treat-
wood waste and more than 8 million tons of
present its countrys statistics once every two
ment methods are reported, and neither is
waste from the construction industry was pro-
years. In 2006, statistics reports were pre-
internal material recycling in industries.
duced in 2006.
sented for the first time, presenting figures
In 2006, 116 million tons of non-hazardous
The industries are responsible for managing
from 2004. Last year, waste statistics reports
waste was produced in the industry, of which
the waste, which is not household waste.
were presented once again, then showing fig-
approximately half was mining waste. The
Sometimes they have at their disposal their
ures from 2006. However, the results are not
amount of hazardous waste produced in the
own landfill sites or the possibility of energy
comparable, due to altered interpretations
industry was 2 million tons.
recovery in incineration facilities.
and new methods for collection of data.
26 million tons of treated non-hazardous
Waste from construction, renovation, recon-
Nonetheless, the figures point to increased
waste and 339,000 tons of hazardous waste
struction or demolition of buildings, or from
waste volumes in 2006 compared to 2004, for
was recycled. Contaminated soil and incinera-
more extensive garden constructions do not
both household waste and other waste.
tion residues, which underwent treatment and
fall under the responsibility of the local author-
In 2006, Sweden produced close to 121
was used for covering of landfill sites, repre-
ities to collect or handle. Waste from minor
million tons of non-hazardous waste and 2.8
sented a large part of the recycling of hazard-
maintenance work and house repairs counts
million tons of hazardous waste. According to
ous waste. 18,5 million tons of the non-haz-
as household waste. Some construction and
the study conducted, 111.1 million tons of
ardous waste and 209,000 tons of hazardous
demolition waste are classified as hazardous
non-hazardous waste and one million tons of
waste was treated through waste-to-energy
waste, for example asbestos and impregnated
hazardous waste underwent treatment. These
incineration. The figures covers all types of
wood, and must be treated accordingly.
figures include household waste. The statis-
waste, household waste included.
25
Waste economics
Municipalities and producers handle the man-
those that choose to continue with mixed
administrative and economical means of con-
agement of household waste. The municipal
waste collection.
trol. Examples of administrative means are
costs are charged as a separate waste collec-
To attain a higher recycling rate, several
regulations and prohibitions such as emission
tion fee, and the producers costs as a fee
municipalities have introduced a fee based on
limit values and prohibition against landfilling
included in the price of the product. The local
weight which, means that the households pay
of organic waste. Economical means can work
councils set the municipal waste collection
per kg of waste collected, on top of the basic
either as carrot, through tax reliefs and sub-
fees. The producers themselves decide on the
fee. 27 municipalities had the weight-based fee
ventions, or as stick, through taxes and
amount of the product fee. As a rule, the waste
in 2008. In these cases, the collection vehicles
charges. The Polluter Pays Principle (PPP) is
collection fees cover the total costs for the
are provided with a scale and equipment to
applied.
municipal waste management. However, cases
identify each bin. The total annual cost for
Tax on landfilled waste was introduced in
of deficits are tax-funded. Administration, such
weight-based fees will vary depending on the
2000 as a way to reduce landfilling. The tax
as waste planning, customer service, invoicing
quantity of waste left for collection.
was initially 250 SEK but has since then been
and information are included in the costs. The
The waste collection fee for an apartment of
raised several times. Since July 1st 2006, the
fee must also cover the service costs at the
70 m is on average 1,300 SEK, according to
landfill tax has been set at 435 SEK per ton of
recycling centers for collection and handling of
an annual report submitted by Avgiftsgruppen,
waste disposed. The landfill site is liable for
bulky waste and hazardous household waste.
an organization representing tenants and
taxation. On July 1st 2006 a tax on household
The rate is often based on one fixed and one
landlords associations.
waste going to waste-to-energy incineration
variable fee, for example on one fee for waste
The cost for waste management is on aver-
was introduced. The tax is set based on a
collection and one for waste treatment.
age 675 SEK per person and year, including
model for the wastes content of fossil materi-
According to the self cost principle in the Local
VAT. The municipal cost for collection of waste
al. The tax amount depends on whether the
Government Act, the municipalities income
in bins and bags is on average 190 SEK per
incineration plant liable to tax produces elec-
from fees must not exceed the costs for the
person. The basic fee, at 260 SEK per person,
tricity and, in that case, with what efficiency.
municipal waste management.
covers the costs for the recycling centers,
The incineration tax will probably be repealed
The waste collection fee of a Swedish sin-
treatment of hazardous household waste,
on October 1st 2010.
gle-family house is 1,980 SEK a year on aver-
planning, information and administration. The
A treatment fee, or reception fee, is the part
age, according to data from Avfall Sveriges
statistics come from Avfall Web and are based
of the waste management which is charged
statistics system, Avfall Web.
on data collected from one third of the Swedish
when the waste is transported to the treat-
municipalities.
ment facility. The table on next page shows the
Many local authorities, which have intro-
26
duced voluntary collection of food waste, use
There are several means to reduce the envi-
approximate charges for different types of
the fee as a means of control. For example,
ronmental impact of waste management, to
treatment. The charges can vary a good deal
households that sign up for separate collec-
improve resource efficiency and to increase
from one facility to another.
tion of food waste are offered a lower fee than
recycling, either through information or with
WASTE INCINERATION TAX
LANDFILL TAX
600
SEK/tons
500
500
400
SEK/tons
400
300
300
200
200
100
100
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
electrical efficiency
-00
-01
-02
-03
-04
-05
-06
-07
-08
-09
TREATMENT FEE
SEK/tons
Landfill
Waste-to-energy
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
7001200
300600
4001000
7001200
300600
400600
7001200
5001000
400700
7001200
5001000
400800
7001200
5501100
400800
27
Waste agenda
Major law alterations, ordinances and regulations to be respected by the waste industry.
1999
The Environmental Code with associated
directives and regulations.
Government proposition 2002/03:117 A
National environmental objective that the
society with non-toxic and resource efficient
quantity of landfill waste, excluding mining
eco-cycles
waste, shall reduce by at least 50 per cent
published.
Parliamentary
debate and vote on the proposition.
calculated from the 1994 level.
2000
Introduction of SEK 250 per tonne tax on
waste taken to landfill.
Deregulation of industrial waste.
2004
2006
Clarification of the waste holders responsi-
Energy tax on household waste for incinera-
bility introduced in chapter 15 5 of the

Environmental Code.
2001
Regulations and general advice about the
tion through energy taxation, 1 July.

Tax on waste to landfill increased to SEK
435 per ton.
handling of combustible and organic waste.
New directives regarding requirements for
Directives about producers responsibility
Changes to the directives regarding produc-
receiving waste at landfill facilities, and
for waste from electric and electronic equip-
ers responsibility for packaging and waste
regulations regarding the contents in a
ment.
paper.
Directives with regulations about landfilling.
municipal waste plan.

New EU directive 1013/2006 regarding the
2002
2005
Landfilling ban on organic waste.
288 per ton.
2007
Waste directive with new waste list.
amount of waste to landfill, excluding min-
Guidance on the concept of household
Landfilling ban on sorted combustible
ing waste, must be reduced by at least 50
waste from The Swedish Environmental
waste.
Sorting requirements according to 26 of
the refuse collection directive.
per cent compared with 1994. (According to

the statistics for household waste in
2003).
Protection Agency.
Introduction of increased environmental
responsibility for the practiser of work and
Directive introduced regarding the incinera-
New directive about producers responsibil-
tion of waste. Applies directly to new facili-
ity for waste from electric and electronic
ties.
equipment came into force on 13 August.
The municipalities opportunity to take vol-
Previous directive continues to apply for
untary responsibility for hazardous waste
light bulbs and light sources.
other than household waste ended on 1
2003
370 per ton.
28
Swedish environmental objectives: The
transportation of waste came into force.
Directive and regulation about waste incineration came into force on 28 December.
increased legislation on environmental

crime.
July.
New directive regarding environmentally
concern waste from prospecting, extrac-
2015
harmful activities and health protection
tion, processing activities, or storage of
A national target to treat at least 60 percent
with new permission and reporting levels in
mineral resources, and waste from quarry
of the phosphorus pollution in effluent, so it
the appendix.
activities.
can be of use on productive lands, of which

at least half shall be used on arable land.
2008
2010
A new legislation on public procurement
A national target to recycle at least 35 per-
lished separate collection of at least paper,
cent of all food waste from households,
metal and glass provided that it is practica-
restaurants, large-scale kitchens and stores
ble from a technological, environmental and
through biological treatment.
economical point of view. The requirements
takes effect on January 1st.

All open landfill sites must follow ordinances and regulations for landfilling.
Introducing demands on pre-consented col-
A national target to recover at least 50 per-
lection systems for packaging and certain
cent of the household waste through materi-
types of paper such as newspaper, and on
al recycling, including biological treatment.
authorization requirements to run such col-
A national target to recycle all food waste
lection systems professionally. This law
and equivalent waste from food industries
alteration is proposed to come into force on
etc. through biological treatment.

The incineration tax on household waste will
September 1st.
A new Framework Directive for waste from
the European Community, to be implemented in Sweden by 2010, at the earliest.
A new EC regulation with directives regard-
be repealed on September 1st.
are laid down in the Waste Framework

Directive.
2020
The EU has the objective of reducing emissions of greenhouse gas by 20 percent by
2020, compared to the emissions rates in
1990. The Swedish Parliament has called
The revised EU Framework Directive shall
for a reduction of Swedens emissions by 40
be implemented by December 10 th, at the
percent, compared to 1990. The overall
latest.
target is to produce a total of 20 percent

renewable energy within the EU and that 10
ing export to certain countries for recovery

of waste is implemented.
The EU member states shall have estab-
2013
percent of all vehicle fuel to be produced
A new EC regulation with directives regard-
By December 12th, at the latest, the member
ing an embargo on exports of mercury etc.
states of the EU shall have established waste
The Waste Frame Directive includes new
from renewable resources.
from the EU is implemented.
prevention programs. The programs shall
recycling objectives for the member states.
either be part of waste plans in accordance
By 2020, 50 percent of all paper, metal,
2009
with the directive or of other environment
plastic and glass household waste and
A new regulation regarding batteries takes
policy programs. The requirements are laid
similar waste be reused or recovered. For
down in the Waste Framework Directive
construction and demolition waste the tar-
2008/98/EC.
get is 70 percent.
effect on January 1 .
st
A new regulation on management of waste

from extractive industries. The directives
29
GLOSSARY
AEROBIC TREATMENT
BIOCELL
BULKY WASTE
Treatment of bio waste with access to/supply
Demarcated area, e.g. at landfill sites where
Waste that is so heavy or bulky that it is not
of oxygen, e.g. composting
bio waste breaks down in an anoxic process
suitable for collection in bags or containers
and landfill gas is produced
(see nfS 2004:4 4 )
Anaerobic (oxygen-free) treatment method for
BIODEGRADABLE WASTE
COLLECTION
bio waste where biogas is formed (compare
Waste that is suitable for composting or diges-
Collection, sorting or mixing of waste for further
composting)
tion
transportation (see the Waste Directive 4)
ANAEROBIC DIGESTION
ANAEROBIC TREATMENT
BIOGAS
COMBUSTIBLE WASTE
Treatment of bio waste without access to/sup-
Gas that is formed during anoxic breakdown of
Waste that burns without additional energy
ply of oxygen, e.g. digestion
organic material, mainly consists of methane
following the start of the incineration process
and carbon dioxide
(See the Waste Directive 4)
BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT
COMPACTOR
Recycling of humus, nourishment and/or ener-
Vehicle that is used for breaking up and pack-
BALING
gy from bio waste through aerobic or anaero-
ing waste (minimising the volume of waste) at
Packing together and possibly tying into bales,
bic treatment
a landfill site
BIOLOGICAL WASTE
COMPOSTING
See bio waste
Biological treatment where biological waste is
Guiding principle for which system should be
BIOWASTE
digestion)
chosen based from an environmental per-
Waste that is easily broken down biologically.
spective, with respect to what may be consid-
i.e. the proportion of organic waste that in a
ASH
See flue gas cleaning remains and slag
e.g. before intermediary storage or in order to

have easier to handle material
BAT Best Available technology
30
broken down with the use of oxygen (compare
CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION WASTE
ered economically reasonable (See chapter 2
limited time may be broken down in biological
Waste that arises through new construction,
of the Environmental Code)
processes. e.g. food and garden waste (com-
extensions, renovation, reconstruction or the
pare organic waste)
demolition of buildings
COVERING
FOOD WASTE/CATERING WASTE
Material at landfill, often in several layers, in
Food waste from the food chain (households,
Inspection from the authorities of the activity
order to drain leachate, prevent rain water
restaurants, large kitchens, shops and the
conducted by certain operations, particularly
seeping down and sometimes to prevent
food industry) which for commercial or other
of an environmentally hazardous nature
waste from blowing away. Intermediate cover-
reasons has not been consumed

LANDFILL
ing is laid between layers of waste, final covering is a thicker layer over, sometimes with a
final layer of foliage planted.
INSPECTION CHECK
HAZARDOUS WASTE
Controlled storage of waste that is not intend-
Waste that has one or several hazardous prop-
ed for removal (see the landfill directive 5 )
erties, e.g. toxic, carcinogenic, explosive or

CURB-SIDE COLLECTION
inflammable. Formally viewed as waste that is
LANDFILL GAS
Collection at or in direct connection to the
marked with a * in appendix 2 or other waste
Biogas that is formed at a landfill site
property where the waste is produced
that has one or several hazardous properties

according to appendix 3 of the Waste Directive
DIOXIN
(see the Waste Directive 4)
LEACHATE
Liquid that runs through, pushes out or is contained in waste during landfill, intermediary
Collective name for 210 chloro-organic compounds, 17 of which are extremely toxic and
HOUSEHOLD WASTE
accumulate in fatty tissue
Waste that comes from households and waste
storage or transportation
from other activities whose type or composi-
LINER
DISPOSAL
tion is similar to the waste produced by house-
Sealing at landfill, often consisting of several
Those procedures that are stated in appendix
holds (see the Environmental Code, chapter
layers, for preventing precipitation from seep-
5 to the Waste Directive, including landfill
15 2)
ing into the landfill or collecting leachate
ENERGY RECOVERY
INDUSTRIAL WASTE
MATERIAL RECYCLING
The safeguarding of electricity/heating that is
Waste that is produced through an industrial
See recycling
generated in a facility for waste incineration or
processes
NON-COMBUSTIBLE WASTE
of gas from organic substances, e.g. in a

digestion facility at a landfill
INERT WASTE
Waste that cannot be incinerated even if
Waste that does not undergo any essential
energy is added, e.g. stones, metal
FLUE GAS TREATMENT RESIDUES
physical, chemical or biological changes when
Collective name for a fine-grained part that
in contact with other waste, e.g. stone and
ORGANIC WASTE
occurs when treating flue gases and consists
gravel (See the landfill directive 3)
Waste that contains organic carbon, e.g. bio-
of furnace ash, fly ash, filter cake from pipe
logical waste and plastic waste (compare bio
filters as well as sludge. Flue gas treatment
waste) (see the Waste Directive 4)
residues are dumped as hazardous waste.
31
PRODUCER
RECYCLING STATION (VS)
Those who professionally produce, transport
Smaller unmanned facility for receiving pack-
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, WEEE
into Sweden or sell a product or packaging
aging and waste paper
Waste from electric and electronic equipment
sional activities produce waste that requires
SLAG, BOTTOM ASH
and consumables that have had an electrical
specific refuse collection or environmental
Material which is neither combustible nor
or electronic function. Included in producers
action
becomes volatized when incinerated, e.g.
responsibility (See Waste Directive 6 and
(goods producer) or those who in their profes-
(waste
producers)
(see
the
Environmental Code chapter 15 4)
WASTE FROM ELECTRIC AND
including all components, equipment parts
glass, porcelain, scrap iron and stone-like
the producers responsibility directive for
material (gravel etc.). Bottom ash is obtained
waste from electric and electronic equipment
PRODUCERS RESPONSIBILITY
after larger objects and metal remains are
2005:209)
Producers responsibility for certain identified
removed and the material has been sifted.
products throughout their entire lifecycle

including design, production and recovery as
waste
REUSE
WASTE IN BINS AND BAGS

SOURCE SEPARATION
The proportion of household waste that is put
Sorting or separation of waste in the same
into bags or bins, in other words waste exclud-
place that the waste was produced, e.g. in the
ing that for material recycling, bulky waste,
household
electrical and hazardous waste
UNMANNED HAZARDOUS
WHITE GOODS
WASTE COLLECTION POINT
Normally larger electrical household products,
Use of a discarded product without processing

beforehand
RECOVERY
Smaller, unmanned facility for receiving haz-
e.g. dishwashers, washing machines and
Use, treatment or removal of materials, food-
ardous household waste, often located at a
refrigerators. There is no absolute definition.
stuffs of energy from waste (see recovery
recycling centre or placed alongside a service
See also waste from electric and electronic
procedure, appendix 4 to the Waste Directive)
station
equipment.
RECYCLING CENTRE (VC)
WASTE
Larger manned facility for receiving bulky
Every object, chemical or substance that the
waste, garden waste, electrical and hazardous
owner is disposing of, intends to dispose of or
waste, etc.
is obliged to dispose of (see chapter 15 1 of

the Environmental Code)
Sources: Avfall Sverige, Swedish waste terminology (1998, Afr-rapport 217), 1000 terms in Solid Waste Management (1992, iSWA) as well as the Swedish code of
statutes and the Swedish Environmental Protection Agencys code of statutes.
32
About Avfall Sverige Swedish Waste Management
Avfall Sverige Swedish Waste Management
Avfall Sverige is striving to promote the
Avfall Sverige is Swedens largest environ-
is the Swedish interest organization within the
development of environmentally sound and
mental movement. Our members make
waste management and recycling sector. Our
sustainable waste management based on a
Swedish waste management work, with every-
members are local authorities and local
manifest responsibility to society.
thing that means, from collection to recycling.
authorities associations. Private companies
Avfall Sveriges job is to look after our mem-
We do it on behalf of the society: environmen-
are associated members. In total, we have
bers interests in waste management, a task
tally safe, sustainable and on long term. We
approximately 400 members.
which encompasses separation, collection,
are 12,000 people working together with
Avfall Sveriges primary task is to represent
recycling, waste disposal, as well as issues
Swedish households and companies togeth-
and develop our members by creating net-
regarding administration, economy, informa-
er, we perform one of Swedens most impor-
works, provide information, and to influence
tion, planning, training, and development.
tant jobs!
decision makers.
33
Staff
Weine Wiqvist
Inge Johansson
Jon Nilsson-Djerf
Managing Director
Waste-to-energy
Collection, transport, separation,
Direct tel. no. +46 (0)40-35 66 05
Direct tel. no. +46 (0)40-35 66 16
household and industrial waste
Mobile no. +46 708-93 15 99
Mobile no. +46 739-88 33 99
Direct tel. no. +46 (0)40-35 66 14
weine.wiqvist@avfallsverige.se
inge.johansson@avfallsverige.se
Mobile no. +46 70-526 35 27
Jessica Christiansen
Karin Jnsson
Hazardous waste, WEEE
Editor of Avfall och Milj
Per Nilzn
Direct tel. no. +46 (0)40-35 66 18
Direct tel. no. +46 (0)40-35 66 17
Development
Mobile no. +46 706-69 36 18
karin.jonsson@avfallsverige.se
Direct tel. no. +46 (0)40-35 66 13
jon.nilsson-djerf@avfallsverige.se
jessica.christiansen@avfallsverige.se
Mobile no. +46 70-523 24 04

Sven Lundgren
per.nilzen@avfallsverige.se
Anna-Carin Gripwall
Legal Counsellor
Director of Communications
Direct tel. no. +46 (0)40-35 66 09
Direct tel. no. +46 (0)40-35 66 08
Mobile no. +46 708-35 66 55
Public Relations, Web Editor
Mobile no. +46 70-662 61 28
sven.lundgren@avfallsverige.se
Direct tel. no. +46 (0)40-35 66 07
anna-carin.gripwall@avfallsverige.se
Ingegerd Svantesson
Mobile no. +46 73-703 70 24

Monica Lvstrm
ingegerd.svantesson@avfallsverige.se
Anders Hedenstedt
Counsellor, Public Contacts
Landfill, waste-to-energy
Mobile no. +46 705-35 66 42
Pernilla Svensson
Direct tel. no. +46 (0)40-35 66 24
monica.lovstrom@avfallsverige.se
Administrator/Public Relations
Mobile no. +46 709-49 49 57

anders.hedenstedt@avfallsverige.se
Direct tel. no. +46 (0)40-35 66 11

Ewa Koverman
pernilla.svensson@avfallsverige.se
Finance assistant, invoicing

Hanna Hellstrm
Direct tel. no. +46 (0)40-35 66 04
Jenny Westin
Biological waste treatment: composting,
ewa.koverman@avfallsverige.se
Statistics, public procurement, waste fees
digestion, biogas
Petra Kvist Carlsson
Mobile no. +46 70-518 40 45
Mobile no. +46 70-73 68 249
Courses, conferences
jenny.westin@avfallsverige.se
hanna.hellstrom@avfallsverige.se
Direct tel. no. +46 (0)40-35 66 03
Karin Lindskog Johansson
Mobile no. +46 708-81 96 36
Peter Westling
petra.carlsson@avfallsverige.se
Finance/Administration Manager
Public Relations, batteries
Direct tel. no. +46 (0)40-35 66 06
Direct tel. no. +46 (0)40-35 66 12
peter.westling@avfallsverige.se
karin.lindskog@avfallsverige.se
34
Direct tel. no. +46 (0)40-35 66 15
Direct tel. no. +46 (0)40-35 66 23
35
Address
Prostgatan 2, S-211 25 Malm, Sweden
Tel. Int
+ 46 40 356600 (switchboard)
Fax Int
+ 46 40-356626
E-mail
office@avfallsverige.se

Swedish Waste Management

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Swedish Waste Management

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Swedish Waste Management

How Swedish waste management works

Collection and transport

Waste quantities 2008

Waste from electrical and electronic equipment

Waste other than household waste

About Avfall Sverige Swedish Waste Management

Swedish Waste Management 2009

Sweden is the world-leader in waste manage-

2012 and reducing it by 2020. This work has

ment. This is demonstrated through the great

been initialized and should be finished by

interest in Swedish environmental technology

2013. All member states in the EU should

in the waste sector. And we should be proud!

have established a waste prevention program

Thanks to a great commitment from citizens,

by this time. Avfall Sverige is one of the actors

property owners, producers, contractors, and

local authorities, 97 percent of all household

Management has been published by Avfall

After having seen an increase in waste vol-

Sverige for more than ten years now. It briefly

umes for several years, they are now leveling

describes how waste management works in

off. There is a close connection between the

Sweden. Through texts, figures and tables, it

economic situation and consumption, and

presents factual information that has been

between consumption and waste volumes.

updated based on the latest available statis-

Through the framework directive for waste, the

tics. The report, Swedish Waste Management

European Union requires that the member

2009 is intended for those active in the

states take measures to prevent the produc-

waste industry, local and central decision-

tion of waste. Countries are required to devel-

makers, authorities, educational institutions,

op a waste reduction plan with the aim of sta-

media, and other interested parties.

bilizing their waste production by the year

Swedish Waste Management 2009

How Swedish waste management works

Waste shall be treated in such a way that the

Exceptions from the hierarchy may be neces-

treatment. The objective refers to source-

maximal environmental and social benefits

sary for technical, economical or environmen-

separated food waste for both home com-

are achieved. All parties participate in this

posting and central treatment.

work from producers to households. The

EU decisions set the frameworks for Swedish

By 2010, at the latest, food waste, and con-

producers are responsible for their various

waste management. The environmental objec-

sequently also equivalent waste from food

product groups, the local authorities are

tives of the Swedish Parliament govern the

industries etc., shall be recycled through

responsible for the household waste, and the

waste management and its environmental