Vital Waste Graphics 3

Inefficient strategy No data or data not applicable Preventive tools for each stream

Very efficient strategy for specific stream Useful strategy

WASTE STREAMS

WASTE STRATEGIES

Hazardous waste

Household waste

Paper and cardboard

Metals Plastics

Biowaste

Mineral

Wood

Glass

Awareness and education Green public procurement 2 Financial incentives Product requirements 1

Green marketing

Voluntary agreements 3

Ecodesign

Labelling / certification Technological standards

Prevention targets

1 - Prohibited toxic substances, packaging or volume requirements, etc. 2 - Green organizations and public spending. 3 - Environmental targets set in consultation with industry.

Source: adapted from Arcadis, Analysis of the evolution of waste reduction and the scope of waste prevention. A report for the European Commission, 2010.

What is waste for some, is a business op- portunity for others. Indeed, those who produce waste must dispose of it, usually paying for its removal and/or treatment. These costs, however, turn into revenue for other economic activities. Such actors

may therefore not welcome – may even oppose – the overall idea of reducing waste production at source. On the other hand, the production of limited but more homogenous and higher quality waste should prompt more positive reactions.

Apart from transport, the cost of recov- ery, recycling and other waste-related activities should drop, thus improving the profitability of these operations as environmental policies (public, private) slowly turn waste into a resource.

Waste costs vs .

Waste revenues

DIRECT EXPENDITURES

REVENUES

Education / awareness

Sale of recyclables or by-products from recycling

See pp. 16-21

Sorting Collection Transport Treatment Disposal

Waste management See pp. 22-23

Sale of biogas from energy recovery (at landfill or incinerators)

See p. 20

Is waste too profitable to reduce?

Waste taxes and tipping fees at landfill

See p. 33

Technical research Prospective analysis

Waste sector funding (firms, governments, institutions)

See p. 41

EXTERNALITIES

Public costs Private revenues

Loss of ecosystem services Biodiversity losses Climate change Health costs See pp. 24-25 See pp. 26-27

VITAL WASTE GRAPHICS 3 15