Transfer of national experiences with waste prevention and minimisation to a trans-regional or an international level Scoping Paper

Waste quantities in most countries are growing faster than private consumption does, so that waste generation per Euro spent by households is increasing. Growing waste amounts generally postulate an enhancement of waste prevention and minimisation. Also the recycling of waste rises. For example the recycling of paper in EU Member States has increased from 35 % in 1985 to 49 % in 1996. But at the same time, however, the total quantity of paper incinerated or disposed on a landfill has also increased due to the growth in consumption of paper and cardboard.