Current world situation on recycling

During the 1990s, municipal waste generated in the OECD area has risen (+19%) mostly in line with private consumption expenditure (+33%) and GDP (+31%). As of the early 2000s, this rise has been slowing down(+2%).

Today, the quantity of municipal waste generated exceeds an estimated 650 million tonnes.A person living in the OECD area generates on aver-age 520 kg of waste per year; this is 20 kg more than in 1990, but 30 kg less than in 2000.



The amount and composition of municipal waste vary widely among OECD countries, being related to level sand patterns of consumption, the rate of urbanisation, lifestyles, and national waste management practices. On average, Europeans generate around 130 kg less than people living in America but 80 kg more than people living in the OECD Asia-Oceania region.



Over the past two decades, OECD countries have put significant efforts into curbing municipal solid waste generation. More and more waste is being diverted from landfills and incinerators and fed back into the economy through recycling. Mechanical and biological pre-treatment is increasingly used to enhance recovery rates and incineration efficiency, and reducethe amounts being landfilled. Manufacturers are increasingly encouraged or required to accept respon-sibility for their products after the point of sale. The European Union has introduced recycling targets forall its member countries. Landfilling of municipalwaste has been banned in a few countries. Landfill nonetheless remains the major disposal method in many OECD countries.

Reference: OECD Indicators - Environment at a Glance 2015