Municipal waste regulation in Europe : paving the road for upcoming challenges

Abstract

Defined as waste from household and “from other sources, such as retail, administration, education, health services, accommodation and food services, and other services and activities, which is similar in nature and composition”, municipal solid waste (MSW) only represents 10% of the total waste generated in the European Union (EU) (Eurostat, 2016). Nevertheless it is a highly political topic as local authorities are in charge of its collection and management, either directly or through an operator (public or private) and a financial sensitive issue as it requires large public investments. It is also a complex matter due to its dispersed generation (60% to 90% of total MSW comes from households, and the rest from commercial activities), to its diverse composition (which includes organic, plastic, metal, paper, glass, bulky items, batteries, exhaust oils/lubricants, light bulbs, etc.), and to the link it has with consumption behaviors and trends (coupling of economic growth and waste generation). MSW management is also crucial due its potential adverse effects on the environment and the human health.