How has Estonia transformed its treatment of municipal solid waste?

Estonia has transformed its treatment of municipal solid waste (MSW), changing from a reliance on landfilling – which accounted for almost 80% of MSW treatment in 2010 – to a high level of energy recovery via waste incineration.

What is the future of energy in Estonia?

Estonia’s National Development Plan of the Energy Sector Until 2030 forecasts an increase in the use of fuel wood, from the current levels, about 4.8 million m3, to 6.2 million m3, both from direct felling and from industry residues, to supply increased energy production from biomass.

What is Estonia's waste prevention programme?

The NWMP moreover contains Estonia’s Waste Prevention Programme, which sets the objective of decoupling economic growth and waste generation. The goal of a circular economy is to maintain the value of products, materials and resources in the economy for as long as possible and minimise the generation of waste.

Does Estonia have a 'pro' for packaging waste?

Estonia has four accredited PROs for packaging waste (each must establish a nation-wide collection system). One of the four is Estonia’s PRO covering the deposit and refund of beverage bottles and cans, which has been particularly effective (see the box below).

What are Estonia's waste prevention targets?

In its Waste Prevention Programme, Estonia sets two key targets to limit further increases in MSW: up to 2020, the growth in MSW generation should remain below half of growth in gross domestic product (GDP); and after 2020, there should not be any further growth in MSW generation.

How many waste streams does Estonia require EPR?

Estonia requires EPR for six waste streams: packaging waste, waste electronic and electrical equipment (WEEE), end-of-life vehicles, used tyres, and batteries and accumulators, and agricultural plastic. Producers have joined into producer responsibility organisations (PROs) for four of these waste streams (see Table 1 on the following page).