Circle economy Implementation Plan

Implementation Plan 1

1. Title of the document for the proposed act:

Implementation Plan for the Proposals for Directives of the European Parliament and of the Council amending:

- Directive 2008/98/EC on waste;

- Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste;

- Directive 1999/31/EC on the landfill of waste, and;

- Directives 2000/53/EC on end-of-life vehicles, 2006/66/EC on batteries and accumulators and waste batteries and accumulators, and 2012/19/EC on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).

2. Contact point:

Julius Langendorff, Deputy Head of Unit

Back-up: Silvija Aile

DG Environment Directorate A Green Economy

Unit A2 Waste Management & Recycling

Tel: +32 2 29 98 829

Julius.LANGENDORFF@ec.europa.eu

Silvija.AILE@ec.europa.eu

3. Introduction

The present proposals are based on the legal obligation to review the waste management targets of three waste-related Directives: Directive 2008/98/EC on waste, Directive 1999/31/EC on the landfill of waste, and Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste. The proposals aim at translating into the EU legislation the objectives set out in the Resource Efficiency Roadmap 2 and the 7th Environmental Action Plan. 3 They also aim at improving the implementation of the waste hierarchy in all Member States, in order to move the EU towards a circular economy through more waste reduction, increased reuse and recycling, limiting incineration of recyclable waste as well as a gradual reduction of landfilling.

The proposals are based on ex-post evaluations – including a ‘fitness check’ study covering, inter alia the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive – as well as on an ex-ante evaluation using a European reference model on waste generation and management. The results of these evaluations have been used in the impact assessment accompanying the proposals.

4. Deliverables and implementation challenges

4.1. Deliverables

The proposals offer a stable framework for waste management in the EU based on a mid/long term vision (2030). They contain new targets and additional means to ensure their proper implementation. In summary, the proposals aim to:

The proposals offer a stable framework for waste management in the EU based on a long-term vision (2030). It contains new targets and additional means to ensure their proper implementation. In summary, the proposals aim to:

Increase recycling/preparation for re-use of municipal waste by setting binding EU-wide targets for 2025 (60%) and 2030 (65%);

Increase recycling/preparation for re-use of packaging waste by setting binding EU-wide targets, including material specific ones, for 2025 and 2030;

Reduce landfilling of municipal waste through the introduction of a binding target for 2030 of maximum 10%;

Take better into account the situation of each Member State by allowing time extensions of maximum 5 years for those Member States with the biggest implementation challenges;

Harmonise and streamline the calculation of the targets and improve the reliability of key statistics;

Promote preparation for re-use by different measures, including the possibility to take a into account wider spectrum of activities in the calculation of the targets;

Promote the use of economic instruments at national level to provide adequate financial incentives to ensure better implementation of the waste hierarchy;

Measures aimed at waste prevention and boosting actions at national level to reduce food waste generation;

Introduce an early warning system to anticipate and avoid possible compliance difficulties;

Ensure full traceability of hazardous waste;

Increase the cost-effectiveness of Extended Producer Responsibility schemes by defining common minimum requirements;

Simplify drastically the reporting obligations and alleviating obligations facing SMEs;

Improve the overall coherence by aligning definitions and removing obsolete legal requirements.

These proposals are expected to provide a clear and robust perspective to guide long-term investment strategies focused on prevention, reuse and recycling as well as the future use of EU regional funds which should focus on the first steps of the waste hierarchy in line with the proposed targets.

4.2. Challenges

The main challenges can be summarized as follows:

1) Reaching the targets within the deadlines (especially for the less advanced Member States), which includes:

−the adaptation of waste management plans at national, regional or local levels;

−the optimal use of existing and, where needed, development of new infrastructures for waste separate collection and recycling;

−measures to ensure civil society participation in source separation of waste;

−the development of administrative capacities for enforcement and coordination between competent authorities at all levels;

−the progressive reduction in the use of landfilling capacities without creating possible over capacities for residual waste, such as incineration or low grade mechanical biological treatment; and

−the adoption and implementation of economic instruments aiming at increasing prevention, reuse and recycling.

2) Monitoring waste management operations and delivering timely reliable statistics, which includes:

−the improvement of data collection methods; and

−the development of more advanced and reliable systems for data verifications and reporting schemes.

5. Support Actions:

5.1. Challenge 1 "Reaching the target within the deadline"

The proposed targets were defined on the basis of the levels already achieved today in the most advanced EU countries or regions. Deadlines were then calculated by taking into account what would be a realistic time-frame for each of the MS in light of past performances. This approach also takes into account the fact new techniques emerged at all levels of the recycling chain (separate collection, sorting, recycling) should allow less advanced MS to make rapid progress in the coming years. In addition, the proposed long-term approach (with final deadline in 2030) allows for the necessary flexibility in implementation. Finally, 7 Member States starting from a less favourable situation according to officially reported statistics, will be given the possibility to obtain 5 additional years to meet the targets on municipal waste (both on recycling and landfilling). 

The proposed targets were also fixed in a ‘synergetic’ and consistent way so that landfilling is progressively reduced while recycling of municipal and packaging waste is increased at a similar pace. They are also consistent with existing requirements (e.g. separate collection by 2015, continuation of existing recycling and landfill diversion targets).

Possible support actions by the Commission:

In the legislative proposal, specific measures are proposed in order to promote best practices, notably the ‘early warning’ procedure and the proposed requirements on EPR schemes. A time extension mechanism is also proposed for those Member States that start from a more challenging position. Member States making use of such extension are required to establish a detailed implementation plan to ensure that progress in made. If necessary, on the basis these plans, the Commission will be able to provide these Member States with additional recommendations and technical assistance.

In addition, in 2013, the Commission already launched a compliance-promotion exercise which aimed at assessing and monitoring the implementation of EU waste legislation as well as providing technical guidance and recommendations to support Member States. This exercise included interactive exchange with national authorities, notably through the assessment of national and/or regional waste management plans, the organisation of seminars and the elaboration of implementation roadmaps adapted to the specific challenges of individual Member States. So far 17 Member States (starting with the less performing) were covered by the exercise and it is the Commission's intention to monitor progress and, if needed, carry out similar exercises again in the future.

Experience gained from the compliance-promotion exercise (2013-2015)

Key recommendations discussed with Member States during the 2013-2015 compliance promotion exercise include:

-    Introduce and gradually increase charges on landfill/MBT/incineration. Revenues from these charges should be used to support separate collection, awareness raising and the creation of modern infrastructure, focusing on prevention, re-use and recycling.

-    Establish/improve and control separate collection systems.

-    Expand systems for door-to-door separate collection schemes as soon as possible and undertake pilot projects on separate collection to develop solutions for local circumstances.

-    Initiate/intensify awareness-raising and information designed for different target groups.

-    Reform administrative structures and procedures to simplify administration of waste management, e.g. bundle capacities via inter-municipal associations and harmonise systems in place by providing guidelines on administrative and practical approaches.

-    Support local authorities in setting up separate collection schemes (by incentives and/or penalties) and other central tasks (e.g. tendering procedures).

-    Extend and improve the monitoring and transparency of existing EPR schemes via better inspection and enforcement activities, accompanied by guidance.

-    Update national and regional WMPs including measures on how to achieve legally binding targets and objectives.

-    Enforce national strategies on bio-waste management.

-    Revise statistics by aligning reporting to EUROSTAT guidelines.

- Use EU funding to finance infrastructure and initiatives related to the first steps of the waste hierarchy.

In addition, the Commission has launched specific initiatives for the promotion of good practices concerning waste prevention, efficient separate collection as well as the management of C&D waste and hazardous waste.

A reference modelling tool for the management of municipal waste has been developed by the Commission in association with the European Environment Agency with the objective of regularly assessing the distance to target in all MS, analysing ex-ante expected progress in terms of waste management and identifying Member States at risk of not meeting the target. This model will be used in the context of the ‘early warning’ procedure. It was also already used by volunteer MS to support the planning of waste management strategies at national level.

The European Environment Agency is also in charge of the review of the Waste Prevention Programmes (WPP) in accordance to Article 30, §2 (includes sharing of good practices).

The Commission has also defined for the use of regional funds (ERDF/CF) a set of ex-ante conditionalities for the next programming period 2014-2020 (including for waste). These conditions already include the uptake of key best practices. The Commission works in close collaboration with MS to ensure the optimal use of EU funds with a priority given to investments and technical assistance related to the first steps of the waste hierarchy (prevention, reuse and recycling). In addition, when relevant, the Commission has proposed ‘country specific recommendations’ in the context of the Annual Semester recommending an appropriate use of economic instruments in the field of waste management.

The new LIFE regulation includes the possibility of funding projects in support of implementation of waste management policies.

Those measures should ensure that the less advanced MS are taking advantage of the experience and good practices from best-performing MS. It should help them to design the appropriate package of measures and leapfrog the implementation stages in order to capture rapidly the potential benefits (including direct cost savings, reduced greenhouse gas and air pollutants emissions, job creation, easier access to raw materials) linked with the achievement of the upgraded targets.

Last but not least, the Commission has adopted together with the revised waste targets and Action Plan to promote the Circular Economy. The Plan and the proposed waste targets are mutually supportive: several actions proposed in the Action Plan will help meeting the proposed waste targets. For instance various actions are proposed in the Plan to improve the recyclability, reparability and reusability of products placed on the EU market. A specific action is foreseen on plastics to improve their recyclability or biodegradability. Other actions are proposed to boost green public procurement. On the other side, increasing re-use and recycling of waste will concretely and directly contribute to the creation of a circular economy.

Possible actions by the Member States:

The following actions can be taken at national level:

- ensure that sufficient resources are made available at national, regional and local levels for the planning, enforcement and operational aspects of waste management policies;

- provide training and technical assistance in order to optimize the use of existing or build the necessary new capacities, especially at local level for municipal waste management;

- where necessary, develop a dialogue with the Commission about waste management planning and implementation issues;

- raise awareness and involve stakeholders (private sector, NGO's and the citizens-consumers);

- make a proper use of structural funds and other sources of funding to accelerate the necessary changes;

- apply key economic instruments (in particular, landfill/incineration charges, extended producer responsibility schemes, pay-as-you-throw schemes, subsidies/penalties for local authorities to ensure the development of separate collection) which have proved to be efficient in changing the behaviour of the concerned actors in applying the waste hierarchy and in generating financial means to develop waste management operations accordingly.

5.2. Challenge 2 "Monitoring and quality reporting"

Possible actions by the Commission:

The legislative proposal aims to clarify the key definitions related to the most relevant indicators and targets. It also clarifies and simplifies reporting modalities and calculation methods. The proposal also includes the creation of electronic waste registries by Member States and more stringent rules for EPR schemes to ensure the reliability of the data collected.

In addition, the Commission intends to:

−increase and improve guidance on data collection and reporting, in line with the targets and the waste hierarchy;

−reinforce of quality checks and validation procedure;

−promote exchange of good practices through regular workshops involving Member States.

Possible actions by the Member States:

Member States should ensure that sufficient resources are made available at national, regional and local level for the monitoring of waste management policies, notably the data collection, their statistical treatment, their validation as well as the proper reporting and validation processes in liaison with the Commission services.

They should also develop integrated electronic waste registries.

Member States need to put in place transparent data reporting schemes to be used by public and private actors, notably municipalities, EPR schemes, waste management companies and recyclers.

Member States should also set up training for local/regional authorities and relevant stakeholders. In addition, they can participate in exchange platforms and peer reviews with other authorities and Eurostat.

6. Summary table

Implementation challenge	Support action	Timing
1) Reaching the targets within the deadline (especially for the less advanced Member States): development of infrastructures (for separate collection and treatment), adaptation of waste management plans, enforcement and coordination between authorities at all levels, reduction in the use of landfilling capacities, implementation of economic instruments.	Commission:  - Legislative proposal: ‘early warning’ procedure minimum requirements for EPR (and related guidance) time derogation mechanism accompanied with a compliance plan - Compliance-promotion exercise: technical guidance and specific initiatives for the promotion of good practices concerning waste prevention, efficient separate collection as well as the management of C&D waste and hazardous waste.. assessment of national and/or regional waste management plans organisation of seminars implementation roadmaps including country-specific recommendations - Country specific recommendations in the context of the Annual Semester - Modelling tool (with the EEA) - EEA Review of Waste Prevention Programmes - EU funding : ex-ante conditionalities close collaboration with MS in definition of investments programmes LIFE (integrated) projects in support of implementation	2022, 2027 After adoption 2025 and 2030 2013-2017 Annual (ongoing) Annual (as from 2014) 2014-2020 Yearly calls
	Member States: - sufficient resources made available at national, regional and local levels for the planning, the enforcement and the operational aspects of waste management policies - training and technical assistance in order to build the necessary capacities, especially at local level - dialogue with the Commission about planning and implementation - raise the awareness and involve stakeholders - optimal use of structural funds and other sources of funding - implement key economic instruments (in particular, landfill/incineration charges, EPR schemes, pay-as-you-throw schemes)	Permanent Permanent Compliance exercise: 2014-2017 Early warning: 2022, 2027 Permanent 2014-2020 Permanent
2) Monitoring and quality reporting	Commission:  - legislative proposal (more precise definitions of key indicators, clarification of reporting modalities and calculation methods, creation of electronic waste registries) - guidance on data collection and reporting - reinforcement of Commission's capacities for quality checks and validation - exchange of good practices through regular workshops	After adoption (incl. implementing act) Starting 2015 2015/2016 Permanent (ongoing)
	Member States: - sufficient resources are made available at national, regional and local levels for the monitoring of waste management policies - develop electronic waste registries - set up trainings - participate in exchange platforms and peer reviews	Permanent 2016 Permanent Permanent (ongoing)

(1)

   This Implementation Plan is provided for information purposes only. It does not legally bind the Commission on whether the identified actions will be pursued or on the form in which they will be pursued.

(2)

COM (2011) 571

(3)

Decision 1386/2013/EU of 20 November 2013, OJ L 354, 28.12.3012, p. 171

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Implementation of the Circular Economy Action Plan

Circular Economy

Implementation of the Circular Economy Action Plan

2018 Circular Economy Package

As part of its continuous effort to transform Europe's economy into a more sustainable one and to implement the ambitious Circular Economy Action Plan, in January 2018 the European Commission adopted a new set of measures, including:

• A Europe-wide EU Strategy for Plastics in the Circular Economy and annex to transform the way plastics and plastics products are designed, produced, used and recycled. By 2030, all plastics packaging should be recyclable. The Strategy also highlights the need for specific measures, possibly a legislative instrument, to reduce the impact of single-use plastics, particularly in our seas and oceans. A public consultation is open until 12th February. To reduce the leakage of plastics into the environment, the Commission has adopted a new proposal on Port Reception Facilities, to tackle sea-based marine litter and published a report on the impact of the use of oxo-degradable plastic, including oxo-degradable plastic carrier bags, on the environment.
• A Communication on options to address the interface between chemical, product and waste legislation that assesses how the rules on waste, products and chemicals relate to each other.
• A Monitoring Framework on progress towards a circular economy at EU and national level. It is composed of a set of ten key indicators which cover each phase – i.e. production, consumption, waste management and secondary raw materials – as well as economic aspects – investments and jobs - and innovation.
• A Report on Critical Raw Materials and the circular economy that highlights the potential to make the use of the 27 critical materials in our economy more circular.
  2018 Circular Economy package - key documents:
  
  • EU Strategy for Plastics in the Circular Economy - communication
  • EU Strategy for Plastics in the Circular Economy - staff working document
  • EU Strategy for plastics in the Circular Economy - brochure
  • Strategy for plastics - press release and questions and answers
  • Factsheets on the strategy for plastics in a circular economy
  • Factsheet - changing the way we use plastics
  • Communication on the Interface between chemicals, products and waste legislation - staff working document and factsheet
  • Monitoring framework for the circular economy - staff working document - factsheet and Eurostat monitoring framework tool
  • Proposal on Port Reception Facilities - impact assessment and summary of the impact assessment
  • Report on critical raw materials
  • Report on oxo-plastics
  • Eurobarometer: SMEs and the circular economy

2018 Circular Economy Stakeholder Conference

Two years after the adoption of EU Circular Economy Action Plan, more than half of the initiatives foreseen in the Plan have been delivered. To discuss the measures included in the 2018 Circular Economy Package, explore new areas of action, and share the first achievements of the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform, the Commission and the European Economic and Social Committee will host the 2018 edition of the Circular Economy Stakeholder Conference on 20-21 February in Brussels.
You can find more information on the Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform

Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform

The European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform is a virtual open space which aims at promoting Europe's transition to a circular economy by facilitating policy dialogue among stakeholders and by disseminating activities, information, and good practices on the circular economy. Stakeholders can take part in the Platform by participating in the annual conference and by interacting on the website to look for good practices, to engage with other stakeholders and to share their own good practices and events.
The members of the Coordination Group contribute to gather best practices on circular economy, to raise awareness about existing national, regional or local strategies, to identify challenges and opportunities for the transition to a circular economy among policy makers, businesses, trade unions, civil society, etc. List of organisations – members of the Coordination Group:.
More information: http://circulareconomy.europa.eu/platform/

EU action plan for the Circular Economy

The European Commission adopted an ambitious Circular Economy Package, which includes measures that will help stimulate Europe's transition towards a circular economy, boost global competitiveness, foster sustainable economic growth and generate new jobs.
The Circular Economy Package consists of an EU Action Plan for the Circular Economy that establishes a concrete and ambitious programme of action, with measures covering the whole cycle: from production and consumption to waste management and the market for secondary raw materials and a revised legislative prposal on waste. The annex to the action plan sets out the timeline when the actions will be completed.
The proposed actions will contribute to "closing the loop" of product lifecycles through greater recycling and re-use, and bring benefits for both the environment and the economy.
The revised legislative proposals on waste set clear targets for reduction of waste and establish an ambitious and credible long-term path for waste management and recycling. Key elements of the revised waste proposal include:

• A common EU target for recycling 65% of municipal waste by 2030;
• A common EU target for recycling 75% of packaging waste by 2030;
• A binding landfill target to reduce landfill to maximum of 10% of municipal waste by 2030;
• A ban on landfilling of separately collected waste;
• Promotion of economic instruments to discourage landfilling ;
• Simplified and improved definitions and harmonised calculation methods for recycling rates throughout the EU;
• Concrete measures to promote re-use and stimulate industrial symbiosis - turning one industry's by-product into another industry's raw material;
• Economic incentives for producers to put greener products on the market and support recovery and recycling schemes (eg for packaging, batteries, electric and electronic equipments, vehicles).

The following legislative proposals on waste have been adopted:

• Proposed Directive on Waste
• Annex to proposed Directive on Waste
• Proposed Directive on Packaging Waste
• Annex to proposed Directive on Packaging Waste
• Proposed Directive on Landfill
• Proposed Directive on electrical and electronic waste, on end-of-life vehicles, and batteries and accumulators and waste batteries and accumulators
• Analytical note on waste management targets
• Staff Working Document - Implementation Plan

More information:
Circular Economy Package: Press release and questions & answersFactsheet: Closing the Loop: Helping consumers choose sustainable products and services
Factsheet: Closing the Loop: The Production Phase of the Circular Economy
Factsheet: Closing the Loop: Clear Targets and Tools for Better Waste Management
Factsheet: Closing the Loop: From Waste to Resources

Past events

• 2017 Circular Economy Stakeholder Conference: To showcase the key deliverables achieved so far and to debate future deliverables with stakeholders, the Commission and the European Economic and Social Committee organised a Circular Economy Stakeholder Conference on 9-10 March 2017 in Brussels. Have a look at the main highlights of the conference and at the operational conclusions of day 2 in the reports prepared by the European Commission and the European Economic and Social Committee.
  • Introduction – An inter-institutional endeavour
  • Plenary Session I – The Circular Economy in motion - Presentations
  • The Plastics Strategy - Presentations
  • Monitoring Framework - Presentations
  • Promotion of water reuse - Presentations
  • Options for Interface between chemicals, products & waste legislations - Presentations
  • Innovation for Circular Economy - Presentations
  • Product policy for resource efficiency, how to make progress? - Presentations
  • Plenary Session II – A financial endeavour
  • Summary - key messages for the next day

• The Circular Economy Missions are a series of high-level political and business meetings in third countries to communicate and promote sustainable and resource-efficient policies.
• Closing the loop - Circular Economy conference: boosting business, reducing waste: As part of the process to develop the new circular economy package, the Commission organised a conference on 25 June 2015 in Brussels, attended by around 700 stakeholders. Participation in this conference was open to all stakeholders wishing to contribute to shaping European economic policy making
  • Split-up sessions key messages and speeches F.Timmermans, K. Vella, J. Katainen
  • Recordings from the conference: Plenary and sessions 2 and 6, sessions 1 and 4, sessions 3 and 5
  
  The conference followed a twelve-week public consultation from 28 May to 20 August 2015 which received around 1500 contributions. Contributions to the public consultation are now available.
  

Background

In December 2014, the Commission decided to withdraw its legislative proposal on waste, but the Commission committed at the same time to use its new horizontal working methods to present a new package by the end of 2015 which would cover the full economic cycle, not just waste reduction targets, drawing on the expertise of all the Commission's services.
Previous proposal on circular economy:

• Communication "Towards a circular economy: a zero waste programme for Europe"
  • Progress report on the Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe
  • Analysis of an EU target for Resource Productivity
• Legislative proposal to review recycling and other waste-related targets in the EU
  • Impact assessment and executive summary of the impact assessment
• Ex-post evaluation of Five Waste Streams Directives - Commission staff working document

The International Resource Panel
Work on resource efficiency and circular economy has profited inter alia from the reports and assessments of the International Resource Panel (IRP). More information on the role of the IRP and its relations with the European Commission can be found here.

Related links

• European Commission - Towards a circular economy
• Eurostat - Circular economy monitoring progress

Waste generation and treatment

Waste generation and treatment (env_wasgt) Reference Metadata in Euro SDMX Metadata Structure (ESMS) Compiling agency: Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union

Eurostat metadata Reference metadata 1. Contact 2. Metadata update 3. Statistical presentation 4. Unit of measure 5. Reference Period 6. Institutional Mandate 7. Confidentiality 8. Release policy 9. Frequency of dissemination 10. Accessibility and clarity 11. Quality management 12. Relevance 13. Accuracy 14. Timeliness and punctuality 15. Coherence and comparability 16. Cost and Burden 17. Data revision 18. Statistical processing 19. Comment Related Metadata Annexes (including footnotes)

For any question on data and metadata, please contact: EUROPEAN STATISTICAL DATA SUPPORT

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1. Contact Top
1.1. Contact organisation	Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union
1.2. Contact organisation unit	E2: Environmental statistics and accounts; sustainable development
1.5. Contact mail address	L-2920 Luxembourg LUXEMBOURG

2. Metadata update Top
2.1. Metadata last certified	16/05/2018
2.2. Metadata last posted	16/05/2018
2.3. Metadata last update	16/05/2018

3. Statistical presentation Top

3.1. Data description

On the basis of the Regulation on waste statistics (EC) No. 2150/2002, amended by Commission Regulation (EU) No. 849/2010, data on the generation and treatment of waste is collected from the Member States. The information on waste generation has a breakdown in sources (19 business activities according to the NACE classification and household activities) and in waste categories (according to the European Waste Classification for statistical purposes). The information on waste treatment is broken down to five treatment types (recovery, incineration with energy recovery, other incineration, disposal on land and land treatment) and in waste categories. All values are measured in tonnes of waste and in kg per capita, based on the annual average of the population. The Member States are free to decide on the data collection methods. The general options are: surveys, administrative sources, statistical estimations or some combination of methods. For the first reference year 2004 Member States could apply for permission not to deliver part of the information: waste generated by agriculture and fishing and waste generated in the services sector. For this reason this information is missing for some of the countries. Previously data on waste was collected on a voluntary basis with the joint OECD/Eurostat questionnaire on waste.

3.2. Classification system

The domain consists of three data sets: Generation of waste, treatment of waste and waste treatment facilities. The data set on the generation of waste is broken down into waste categories and the source of waste generation; the data set on the treatment of waste is broken down into the type of treatment and waste category. The dataset on waste treatment facilities is broken down into the measurement variable (number of facilities, capacity), the waste operation and NUTS2 regions.  Waste categories: The data sets contain a breakdown into 51 waste categories according to the European Waste Classification for statistical purposes: EWC-Stat. It is a mainly substance oriented classification and it distinguishes hazardous and non-hazardous waste. The classification is linked to the administrative classification List of Wastes: List of wastes. Source of waste generation: The generation of waste is attributed to either production or consumption activities. The actor handing over the waste to the waste management system is regarded as the source. For production activities a further breakdown is supplied in 18 economic activities according to the NACE rev. 2 classification. Three of these activities are linked to the waste management and will contain secondary waste: Waste collection, treatment and disposal activities; materials recovery (division 38), Remediation activities and other waste management services (division 39) and Wholesale of waste and scrap (class 46.77). In addition to the waste generated by businesses waste is generated by households. Treatment types: On the basis of the treatment operations defined in the Waste Framework Directive 75/442/EEC and amemded by Directive 2008/98/EC a distinction is made in treatment types: Recovery (excluding energy recovery) (RCV_NE): operations R2 to R11; Energy recovery (RCV_E): Operation R1; Recovery other than energy recovery - backfilling (RCV_B) Recovery other than energy recovery - except backfilling (RCV_O): RCV_NE - RCV_B Incineration (Without energy recovery) (INC): D10 Disposal on land (DSP_D): Operations D1, D5, D12 Land treatment/release into water (DSP_O): Operations D2, D3, D4, D6, D7 Landfill / disposal (D1-D7, D12)(DSP_L): Operations D1-D7, D12; DSP_D + DSP_O Region: The tables on waste generation and treatment are available at national level; the table on waste treatment facilities is available at regional level (NUTS2): regions. Aggregates TOT_X_MIN and major mineral waste: The aggregate TOT_X_MIN covers hazardous and non-hazardous waste from EWC-codes excluding major mineral wastes (Total Waste = TOT_X_MIN + Major Mineral Waste). Until 2008 major mineral waste and TOT_X_MIN could only be calculated for waste generation, major mineral waste covered the following waste categories: Mineral waste from construction and demolition (EWC-Stat 12.1) - Other mineral wastes (12.2, 12.3, 12.5) - Contaminated soils and polluted dredging spoils (12.6). Since 2010 major mineral waste and TOT_X_MIN is calculated for waste generation and waste treatment. Major mineral waste covers the following waste categories: - Mineral waste from construction and demolition (EWC-Stat 12.1) - Other mineral wastes (12.2,12.3, 12.5) - Soils (12.6) - Dredging spoils (12.7). Aggregates primary waste (PRIM) and secondary waste (SEC): Secondary waste is waste resulting from the treatment of waste, e.g. ashes from incineration or sorting residues. The amount of secondary waste is approximated by the sum of the three waste categories - Sludges and liquid waste from waste treatment (EWC-Stat 3.3) - Sorting residues" and (10.3) - Mineral waste from waste treatment and stabilised waste (128_13) Several other waste categories may include secondary waste as well. However, the quantification of the share of secondary waste within the waste covered by these categories is not possible. On these grounds only the three aforementionned waste categories are drawn into acconunt for the calculation of secondary waste. Primary waste is approximated by the differnce of Total Waste and secondary waste. (PRIM = Total Waste - SEC)

3.3. Coverage - sector

The database on waste generation includes all economic activities and in addition waste generated by households. The database on waste treatment does not include pre-treatment activities (like sorting, drying), but only the final treatment.

3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions

Waste: any substance or object which the holder discards or intends or is required to discard. The sludges (including the dredging spoils) are measured in dry matter.

3.5. Statistical unit

Reporting units may be: legal units (e.g. producers, importers, exporters, distributors) local units or households, etc. They report on their data on kind-of activity unit or local unit level. Observation units are units of weight of waste and units of weight per capita.

3.6. Statistical population

In the table on waste generation: all national waste generated. In the table on waste treatment: all waste treated within the boarders of a country (consequently excluding exports and including imports of waste).

3.7. Reference area

The following regional levels are used in the database: EU-28, national data and for waste treatment facilities also regional data at NUTS2 level. Waste statistics covers the European Union, European Economic Area (Iceland, Norway) and Candidate Countries.

3.8. Coverage - Time

Data is published biennial since 2004.

3.9. Base period

Not applicable.

4. Unit of measure Top

1) tonnes (European totals are rounded to 10,000 tonnes for confidentiality reasons) 2) kg per capita (based on the annual average of the population)

5. Reference Period Top

Reference period is the calender-year.

6. Institutional Mandate Top

6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements

Regulation (EC) No 2150/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2002 on waste statistics Commission Regulation (EC) No 782/2005 of 24 May 2005 setting out the format for the transmission of results on waste statistics Commission Regulation (EC) No 1445/2005 of 5 September 2005 defining the proper quality evaluation criteria an the contents of the quality reports for waste statistics Commission Regulation (EU) No 849/2010 of 27 September 2010 amending Regulation (EC) No 2150/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council on waste statistics

6.2. Institutional Mandate - data sharing

There is no data sharing with other international organisations; international organisations can use the data as published in the dissemination database.

7. Confidentiality Top

7.1. Confidentiality - policy

Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 on European statistics (recital 24 and Article 20(4)) of 11 March 2009 (OJ L 87, p. 164), stipulates the need to establish common principles and guidelines ensuring the confidentiality of data used for the production of European statistics and the access to those confidential data with due account for technical developments and the requirements of users in a democratic society.

7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment

The Member States are responsible for the confidentiality treatment of their data (primary and secondary). In agreement with the MS, EU aggregates are rounded to 10.000 t to hide confidential data at country level. Confidential data is not treated; the cells appears as missing with a confidentiality flag.

8. Release policy Top

8.1. Release calendar

There is no release calendar, data dissemination is explained in item 9 below.

8.2. Release calendar access

See Eurostat website, release calendar, data releases

8.3. Release policy - user access

In line with the Community legal framework and the European Statistics Code of Practice Eurostat disseminates European statistics on Eurostat's website (see item 10 - 'Accessibility and clarity') respecting professional independence and in an objective, professional and transparent manner in which all users are treated equitably. The detailed arrangements are governed by the Eurostat protocol on impartial access to Eurostat data for users.

9. Frequency of dissemination Top

Data received by 30 of June, 18 months after the end of the reference period (T+18; where T = reference year), will be published two months later T+20). An update of the dataset is done in November (T+23), March (T+27) and July (T+31) of the following year.

10. Accessibility and clarity Top

10.1. Dissemination format - News release

News releases on-line

10.2. Dissemination format - Publications

Publications are available on the website of the Environmental Data Centre on Waste and Statistics Explained.

10.3. Dissemination format - online database

Please consult free data on-line.

10.4. Dissemination format - microdata access

Not applicable (Eurostat collects the data from the Member States at an aggregate level).

10.5. Dissemination format - other

Statistics explained - Waste statistics http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/waste http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat

10.6. Documentation on methodology

Manual for the Implementation of Regulation (EC) No 2150/2002 on waste statistics: manual. Guidance on classification of waste according to the European Waste Classification for statistical purposes (EWC-Stat): waste classification.

10.7. Quality management - documentation

The Member States describe the sources and methods in a quality report. A summary of the quality information at the European level is found in report to the European Parliament and to the Council: quality of waste statistics.

11. Quality management Top

11.1. Quality assurance

The quality assurance is a joint responsibility of the Member States and Eurostat. The Member States conduct the data collection and describe their sources and methods in a quality report (see the link under 10.7). Eurostat can make comparisons over the countries and will discuss the issue of comparability with the countries. Concepts, classifications and formats are defined in European legislation, the countries remain free to choose the sources and methods that fit them best. A link to a summary assessment is also found under 10.7.

11.2. Quality management - assessment

See the items 10.7 and 11.1 above.

12. Relevance Top

12.1. Relevance - User Needs

The user needs are defined in the whereas part of the Regulation on waste statistics (EC) No 2150/2002; Regular Community statistics on the production and management of waste from businesses and private households are required by the Community for monitoring the implementation of waste policy. This creates the basis for monitoring compliance with the principles of maximisation of recovery and safe disposal.

12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction

No systematic user satisfaction survey was conducted. Eurostat is in regular contact with the main users inside the Commission and with EEA.

12.3. Completeness

The data sets have a high level of completeness. A few data cells are confidential; this concerns mainly smaller countries. Some other data cells are missing because no proper data source was available; the countries concerned are working to make their data more complete.

13. Accuracy Top

13.1. Accuracy - overall

See items 10.7 and 11.1 above.

13.2. Sampling error

Due to the freedom of the countries to choose their methods, sampling methods were used by some countries in some parts of the reporting tables. An overall assessment is not possible, for the assessment at country level look into the documents referred to in 10.7.

13.3. Non-sampling error

Due to the freedom of the countries to choose their methods the non-sampling errors are difficult to summarise at the European level. For the assessment at country level look into the documents referred to in 10.7.

14. Timeliness and punctuality Top

14.1. Timeliness

Within two years after the reference period.

14.2. Punctuality

The Member States have to deliver the data within 18 months after the end of the reference period. Most countries do respect this deadline, some countries deliver with a small delay. In a few cases the delay is over two months. In such cases Eurostat will propose an estimation of the country data to be able to produce European totals.

15. Coherence and comparability Top

15.1. Comparability - geographical

Due to the common definitions and classifications the comparability over the countries is good. In the information on the treatment of waste the distinction between incineration with and without energy recovery has been unclear. In the data from reference period 2008 onwards the distinction is based on the energy efficiency of the process. This will improve the comparability of this element.

15.2. Comparability - over time

The data is comparable over time unless otherwise stated. A break in series flag will be applied to indicate significant changes in methods.

15.3. Coherence - cross domain

The use of statistical units and the NACE classification of economic activities makes the waste domain coherent with economic statistics. This allows the computation of indicators based on economic variables (e.g. value added).

15.4. Coherence - internal

The data are to a high degree internally coherent (totals are equal to the sum of the breakdowns). The information on the generation of waste can not be directly linked to the information on the treatment of waste for several reasons. The generation of waste concerns the waste produced in the country, the treatment of waste the waste treated in the country, so differences can occur due to import and export of waste. Moreover, the generation of waste includes the waste produced by waste treatment activities (sorting, composting, incineration), whereas the treatment table only includes the final treatment. Waste treatment is a process which takes time and in the meanwhile some of the weight might be lost (drying). In short, the two components of waste statistics, generation and treatment, will be equal rather by coincidence.

16. Cost and Burden Top

The overall cost and burden is difficult to assess due to the different data collection methods applied by the Member States. See the documents mentioned under 10.7.

17. Data revision Top

17.1. Data revision - policy

All data are supposed to be final unless indicated as provisional. Correction of errors is possible. Data revision calendar: November (T+23), March (T+27) and July (T+31).

17.2. Data revision - practice

The published data should be regarded as final, unless otherwise stated. Corrections and revisions might occur. Important corrections will be explained in the summary methodology. Major changes in the methods will be the result of legislation, and therefore announced in the Official Journal of the European Communities.

18. Statistical processing Top

18.1. Source data

The Member States are free to decide on the data collection methods. The general options are: surveys, administrative sources, statistical estimations or some combination of methods. The Member States describe the sources and methods in the quality reports.

18.2. Frequency of data collection

Biennial.

18.3. Data collection

The original data is collected by the Member States and then forwarded to Eurostat. Member States collect data from administrative sources and in many cases conduct business surveys on waste generation stratified by NACE activity. The survey method and sampling strategy varies from country to country (paper questionnaire, web questionnaire, CATI, etc.).

18.4. Data validation

Data validation is done by Eurostat in close cooperation with Member States' competent authorities. Certain data format checks are carried out during the data entry into the webform. The validation routines at Eurostat include checks related to consistency, plausibility, development over time and clarification requests sent to countries in case of observations. Methodology reports from countries are consulted during the validation process. In case of revision of data the Member State transmit a new web-form.

18.5. Data compilation

The European aggregates are calculated by adding up the national waste amounts. EU aggregates are compiled when the available countries represent 60% of the population and 55% of the number of countries defining the aggregate; data for missing countries are estimated on the basis of the previous year. For the calculation of kilogram per capita the national amounts of waste generated and treated are divided by the average population of the relevant year. The average population for the calculation of kg per capita is taken from the table "Demographic balance and crude rates" (demo_gind, indic_de=AVG) in Eurobase.

18.6. Adjustment

The data are not adjusted; they are rounded to thousands of tonnes, or kilograms per person respectively.

19. Comment Top

Next to the data collected in the generation and treatment of waste in the framework of the Regulation on waste statistics, two other data collections on waste have to be mentioned. One is data on the generation and treatment of municipal waste. For this data a time series exist with annual data from 1995 onwards. For the comparability with the concept of waste generated by households see point 15.1 comparability. The other collection of waste data concerns information for the monitoring of the effectiveness of certain waste Directives (for instance on packaging waste, end-of-life vehicles and electronic waste).

Related metadata Top

Annexes Top