The EU population generates more than 2.5 tonnes of waste per year which is visible and complex in nature. The EU Parliament has a strong focus on waste minimization and the advancement of recycling technology. In 2020 the European Commission unveiled an action plan aimed at reducing waste by better managing resources.
On the continent of Europe, Britain is the worst offender of the illegal export of electronic waste to developed countries and the largest producer of plastic waste. This result is according to a two-year investigation conducted in 10 European countries. For this reason, various organizations raise their voice by raising awareness of the population about the regular treatment of waste.
The UK holds the record in Europe for a large number of waste removal companies and recycling centers which follow strict waste disposal rules based on strict laws.
Waste generation in Europe
Richer countries tend to produce more waste. Given the large population in number affects the large production of waste according to statistics municipal waste is the most growing. These come mainly from households but also include waste from shops, offices and public institutions.
In recent years the EU generated 225.7 million tonnes of it in 2020, an increase of 1% from 2019. If we go back from 2005 to 2018 the average amount of municipal waste was declining. But not for all states. Thus, for example, while municipal waste increased in Denmark, Germany, Greece, Malta and the Czech Republic, it decreased in Bulgaria, Spain, Hungary, Romania and the Netherlands.
EU project for waste management
Europeans all the time unite for new projects on waste management on our continent. They improve and strengthen new rules and laws by considering new approaches to waste reduction, reuse and recycling technology. They try to adapt these to a comprehensive and circular approach.
Our trash impacts the environment
Climate Change
The way we throw garbage is disturbing. Garbage dumped at landfills emits methane gas. Open landfills represent 91% of all methane emissions to the landfill. Incineration of large and open piles of waste releases dangerous levels of carbon dioxide.
Wildlife
One of the biggest consequences of our global waste problem is manifested in relation to our marine life and waterways. It affects fish, seals, turtles, whales and many other aquatic animals. When it comes to biodiversity, our waste problem is severely damaging the health of the world’s species.
Public Health
Human health is at risk through our inaction. We continue to produce large amounts of compost, we do not throw it away properly and in the end, this will be our destruction as it is for the environment and wildlife in the ecosystems we all share. The more emissions we produce due to the amount of waste we generate, the longer it affects us.
