Abfallentsorgungssysteme

Abfallentsorgung, commonly translated as waste management, refers to the full set of activities related to the handling of waste from generation through collection, transport, treatment, and final disposal. The objective is to minimize adverse environmental and health impacts, maximize resource recovery, and support the transition to a circular economy.

Key components include prevention and reduction of waste generation, preparation for reuse, recycling, energy recovery, and disposal as a last resort. Waste is usually separated and sorted at source or at mechanical-biological treatment facilities to enable higher recovery rates. Collection systems may be curbside, drop-off centers, or a combination. Treatments include recycling and material recovery, composting and anaerobic digestion for organic waste, and incineration or other energy-recovery technologies. Residuals are usually disposed of in controlled landfills or dedicated facilities.

Types of waste include municipal solid waste (household and small businesses), construction and demolition waste, industrial and hazardous waste, and electronic waste (e-waste). Hazardous waste requires specialized handling to mitigate risks.

Governance and actors include municipal authorities that oversee local collection and sorting, with private firms operating under public contracts or licenses. Legislative frameworks establish definitions, the waste hierarchy, producer responsibilities, and reporting requirements. In many jurisdictions, extended producer responsibility and pay-as-you-throw schemes incentivize waste reduction.

In the European Union and other regions, policies aim to increase recycling rates, reduce landfilling, and improve monitoring. Data on volumes and recovery rates are published by national authorities and agencies to track progress toward targets.