Recycling and Recovery Rates

Description

Recycling/Recovery rates describe the waste that is recycled/recovered in relation to the total amount produced. Recycling includes material recycling, preparing for re-use, composting and anaerobic digestion. Recovery refers to waste from construction and demolition prepared for re-use, recycled, or subject to material recovery (including through backfilling operations). Recycling/Recovery rates are reported for different types of waste (e.g., municipal waste, packaging waste, etc.).

Questions addressed

  • How much of total generated waste is recycled/recovered?
  • Do recycling/recovery rates differ by type of waste and between countries?
  • How are recycling/recovery rates and the circular use of materials progressing?

Data Sources

Data on recycling/recovery rates is provided by the Statistical Office of the European Union (Eurostat) based on data reported by Member States of the European Union (EU), EFTA countries, candidate and potential candidate countries following common methodological standards.

Indicators

  • Recycling rate of municipal waste
    Definition:
    This indicator quantifies the share of total municipal waste that is recycled. Municipal waste is waste collected and treated by or on behalf of municipalities. It mostly consists of household waste. Other sources of municipal waste include commerce, offices, and public institutions.
    For more information, see: Eurostat metadata.

    Methodology:
    The recycling rate is calculated based on municipal waste data that EU- Member and some non-member states report to Eurostat.
  • Recycling rate of all waste excluding major mineral waste
    Definition:
    This indicator quantifies the share of total waste generated that is recycled, excluding major mineral wastes mainly from mining and construction. The data covers national waste and excludes waste imported from other EU countries. For more information, see: Eurostat metadata.

    Methodology:
    The recycling rate is calculated based on waste data that EU- Member and some non-member states report to Eurostat.
  • Recycling rate of packaging waste
    Definition:
    This indicator quantifies the share of total packaging waste that is recycled. Packaging waste includes all products used for the containment, protection, handling, delivery, and presentation of goods, regardless of the type of material.
    For more information, see: Eurostat metadata.

    Methodology:
    The recycling rate is calculated based on packaging waste data that EU- Member and some non-member states report to Eurostat.
  • Recycling rate of e-waste
    Definition:
    This indicator is calculated by multiplying the collection rate of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) with the reuse and recycling rate set in the WEEE-Directive. E-waste or WEEE includes items such as out of use computers, televisions, fridges, and mobile phones.
    For more information, see: Eurostat metadata.

    Methodology:
    The recycling rate is calculated based on electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) waste data reported by EU- Member States to Eurostat.
  • Recovery rate of construction and demolition waste
    Definition:
    This indicator quantifies the share of construction and demolition waste treated which is prepared for re-use, recycled, or subject to material recovery (including through backfilling operations), as defined in Regulation (EC) No 2150/2002 on waste statistics. Only non-hazardous waste is considered. Mineral waste from construction and demolition includes concrete, bricks, and gypsum waste, insulation materials, mixed construction wastes containing glass, plastics and wood, and waste hydro-carbonised road-surfacing material. For more information, see: Eurostat metadata.

    Methodology:
    The recovery rate is calculated based on waste data reported by EU- Member and some non-member states to Eurostat.