Brussels, 19/09/2011 (Agence Europe) - According to data published on Monday 19 September by Eurostat, the total non-mineral waste generated in the EU27 amounted to 920 million tonnes, which corresponds to 1,800 kg per capita.
The manufacturing sector accounted for 26% of total generation of non-mineral waste, other economic activities, such as agriculture, energy and services, for 50%, while households contributed 23%. Non-mineral waste reflects waste originating from all economic sectors and households, thus including waste generated from both production and consumption. It does not cover mineral waste, of which 90% originates from the mining and construction sectors. Non-mineral waste is an interesting indicator for environmental policies since it covers most of the waste for which reduction is an important environmental objective.
Among the member states, the United Kingdom (143 million tonnes of waste or 16% of total waste in the EU27) generated the most non-mineral waste in 2008, followed by Germany (129 million tonnes or 14%), France (95 million tonnes or 10%), Italy (94 million tonnes or 10%) and Spain (71 million tonnes or 8%). These member states together accounted for almost 60% of total non-mineral waste generated in the EU27.
The pattern is different when measured per capita. The member states with the lowest values per capita were Malta and Cyprus, while the highest values were recorded in Estonia and Finland. (OL/transl.fl)