Jäätmehaldus

Jäätmehaldus refers to the set of activities and systems for handling waste from generation to final disposition, with the aims of reducing environmental impact, protecting public health, and conserving resources through prevention, reuse, recycling, and appropriate treatment and disposal. In practice, it covers the full life cycle of waste streams and the infrastructure that manages them.

Key stages include generation, collection and transport, sorting and preprocessing, treatment and recovery, disposal, and monitoring and reporting. Information systems track material flows and performance, enabling policy evaluation and continuous improvement. The approach combines public services, private contractors, and regulatory oversight to ensure orderly and safe management of waste.

Methods used in jäätmehaldus include prevention and source reduction, preparation for reuse, recycling and material recovery, composting and anaerobic digestion for organic waste, energy recovery through incineration where appropriate, and safe disposal in landfills as a last resort. The waste hierarchy guides decisions, prioritizing prevention and preparation for reuse over recovery and disposal.

Governance involves national authorities, municipalities, and producers. Extended producer responsibility schemes cover packaging, electronics, and other products, assigning responsibility for end-of-life management. Public services, private contractors, and user charges organize collection and treatment, while reporting and audits ensure compliance and performance transparency.

Policy context includes alignment with European Union directives and national law on waste management and the circular economy. Key indicators commonly used are recycling rate, material recovery, landfill diversion, and compliance with emissions and safety standards. Challenges include growing waste volumes, contamination, and illegal dumping, while opportunities lie in advanced sorting technologies, digital tracking, and broader adoption of circular economy principles.