Jäätmet

Jäätmet is a term used in Estonian to refer to waste or garbage. It encompasses a broad category of discarded materials that are no longer needed by their original owner. This can include household waste, industrial byproducts, construction debris, and more. The management of jäätmed is a significant concern in Estonia, as it is in many other countries, due to environmental and public health considerations.

Estonia has implemented various strategies for jäätmet management, focusing on reduction, reuse, recycling, and disposal. Efforts are made to encourage waste prevention at the source, such as promoting sustainable consumption patterns and the use of reusable products. Recycling programs are in place for common materials like paper, plastic, glass, and metal, aiming to recover valuable resources and divert them from landfills. For waste that cannot be reduced, reused, or recycled, safe disposal methods are employed, primarily through engineered landfills and, in some cases, incineration with energy recovery. The Estonian Waste Management Act provides the legal framework for these activities, setting targets and responsibilities for producers, consumers, and waste management companies. The overarching goal is to minimize the environmental impact of jäätmed and promote a circular economy.