materialavfall
Materialavfall is a term used in Nordic contexts to describe waste materials that arise from production, construction, consumer use and end-of-life products. It encompasses a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, glass, paper and cardboard, wood, textiles, concrete and ceramics, electronics, and packaging. When a stream contains hazardous substances—such as asbestos, lead, cadmium, or solvent residues—it is classified and managed as hazardous waste under applicable regulations.
Sources and composition: Materialavfall is generated by households, industry, construction and demolition activities, and commercial operations.
Classification and sorting: Proper classification typically follows material type and hazard. In the European context, codes
Management and treatment: The waste hierarchy prioritizes prevention, reuse, recycling, energy recovery, and disposal. Sorting at
Regulation and policy: National and regional laws implement the EU Waste Framework Directive and other directives.
Environmental and economic aspects: Proper management reduces resource extraction, lowers emissions, and creates jobs, but challenges