jäätmeseaduse

The jäätmeseadus, or Waste Act, is the core piece of Estonian environmental legislation that governs the generation, collection, transport, treatment, and disposal of waste. It is designed to implement European Union waste directives and to provide a national framework for waste management policy and practice in Estonia.

The act applies to individuals, companies, and public authorities. It distinguishes waste from non-waste and hazardous waste from non-hazardous waste, and it defines the responsibilities of waste generators and holders, waste carriers and receivers, and producers who have specific obligations for packaging and other products. It sets requirements for permits and registrations for waste handling facilities and establishes duties related to separate collection, sorting, and recycling of waste. It also anchors the waste management hierarchy as a guiding principle for decisions about waste treatment and disposal.

The jäätmeseadus covers procedures for take-back schemes, data reporting, and record-keeping related to waste streams. It regulates licensing and operations for disposal facilities such as landfills and incinerators and sets conditions for when landfilling or other disposal methods may be used. The act provides for enforcement mechanisms, including penalties and corrective actions, and assigns supervisory responsibilities to environmental authorities and local municipalities to ensure compliance by businesses and individuals.

The act has been amended several times to align with evolving EU policies, expand producer responsibility schemes, and strengthen data collection on waste generation and management. Through these updates, the jäätmeseadus remains central to Estonia’s efforts to reduce waste, increase recycling, and promote sustainable material management.