Household waste volume increases in the EU

In 2024, European Union countries averaged 517 kg of municipal waste per person. This is 6 kg more than in 2023 (511 kg). Compared to 2014, the figure has increased by 38 kg, or approximately 8%.

Statistics show significant differences between EU countries. The highest amounts of waste per person are generated in:

• Austria — 782 kg per person (2023 data),
• Denmark — 755 kg,
• Belgium — 699 kg.

The lowest figures were recorded in:

• Romania — 305 kg per person (2023 data),
• Estonia — 375 kg,
• Poland — 387 kg.

Since 2014, the volume of household waste per person has increased in 20 EU countries. The most notable increases were observed in:

• Belgium (+274 kg),
• Czechia (+228 kg),
• Austria (+217 kg).

At the same time, the largest reductions in waste were recorded in:

• Netherlands (–54 kg),
• Denmark (–53 kg),
• Finland (–25 kg).

Almost half of waste is recycled

In 2024, an average of 248 kg of waste per person was recycled in the EU. This represents 48.1% of the total waste volume.

For comparison:

• in 2023, 48.0% of waste was recycled (246 kg per person),
• in 2014 — 43.0% (208 kg per person).

Municipal waste refers to household waste and similar waste, but does not include industrial, agricultural, medical, construction, and other specialized types of waste.