Avfallsfraktionerna

Avfallsfraktionerna, or waste fractions, refers to the different categories into which waste is sorted for management and processing. Proper separation of waste into distinct fractions is crucial for efficient recycling, energy recovery, and safe disposal of residual waste. Different municipalities and regions may have slightly varying classifications, but common avfallsfraktionerna include organic waste, paper and cardboard, plastic, glass, metal, and residual waste.

Organic waste, also known as food waste or biodegradable waste, is typically composted or used for biogas production. This fraction includes food scraps, garden waste, and other compostable materials. Paper and cardboard are collected separately for recycling into new paper products. This category encompasses newspapers, magazines, packaging, and cardboard boxes. Plastic waste is often sorted by type, as different plastics have varying recycling processes and values. Common plastic fractions include PET, HDPE, and mixed plastics. Glass is usually separated into clear, colored, and sometimes specific types like window glass or ceramics, and is melted down to create new glass products. Metal waste, such as aluminum and steel cans, is sorted for recycling and can be used to produce new metal items.

Residual waste, also called mixed waste or general waste, comprises all materials that cannot be effectively recycled or recovered through other means. This fraction is typically sent to incineration plants for energy recovery or, in some cases, to landfills. Effective waste management relies on public participation in sorting waste correctly into these avfallsfraktionerna, thereby maximizing resource recovery and minimizing environmental impact.