jätteenpolttodirektiivi

The Waste Incineration Directive, or jätteenpolttodirektiivi in Finnish, refers to European Union legislation governing the incineration of waste. Its primary aim is to control emissions from waste incineration plants and to promote waste prevention and recovery. The directive sets strict limits for pollutants released into the atmosphere, such as dioxins, furans, heavy metals, and particulate matter. It also includes requirements for the operation and monitoring of incineration facilities, as well as for the management of residues.

A key aspect of the directive is its focus on waste hierarchy, prioritizing prevention, reuse, and recycling over incineration. Incineration is considered a recovery operation when it generates energy, but it is generally placed lower in the hierarchy than material recycling. The directive also mandates specific treatment processes for certain types of waste before they can be incinerated. The legislation has been instrumental in improving air quality and reducing the environmental impact of waste management across EU member states. Compliance with the directive requires significant investment in pollution control technologies and robust monitoring systems by waste incineration operators.