jäätmete

Jäätmete is the Estonian word for waste. It encompasses discarded materials that are no longer useful to their original owner and are intended for disposal or recovery. Waste management in Estonia follows a hierarchical approach, prioritizing prevention, reuse, recycling, and finally, disposal.

The Estonian Waste Act provides the legal framework for waste management, defining responsibilities for waste producers, holders, and handlers. This legislation aims to protect human health and the environment by minimizing the negative impacts of waste. Key objectives include reducing the amount of waste generated, promoting the circular economy, and ensuring that waste is managed in an environmentally sound manner.

Estonia has made significant progress in increasing its recycling rates. Various types of waste, such as packaging, paper, glass, plastics, and metals, are collected separately for recycling. Organic waste management is also a growing area, with composting and biogas production becoming more common. Landfilling, once the primary disposal method, is being progressively phased out for certain types of waste and is subject to strict regulations.

The responsibility for waste management is shared among citizens, businesses, and municipalities. Citizens are encouraged to sort their waste at home, while businesses are responsible for managing the waste they generate. Municipalities often organize and oversee waste collection services and provide infrastructure for waste treatment and disposal. Estonia is committed to meeting European Union waste directives and targets, striving for sustainable waste management practices.