Technical Development of Waste Sector in Sweden: Survey

MASTER’S THESIS IN ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGIES RESEARCH
benefit to the technology. Now in Sweden, paper, glass, aluminum can and hazardous materials like
batteries are collected separately which lead different treatment technology for the society. Waste
characteristics are also dependent on the local practice. Composition of waste fraction is very much
important for selecting waste treatment technology. Moreover, single waste fraction can be treated
with different waste treatment technology for example; previously biodegradable wastes were treated
by composting technology, now more favorably it is treated by anaerobic digestion, the method is
more environmental friendly and more economical.
Extended producers and consumers responsibilities can influence sustainable waste management
system significantly. In every step of resource consumptions, innovative product design, waste
generation, collection and treatment of waste individuals can make a difference by their personal
responsibilities through choosing the right thing to our environment.
National and international rules or regulations have tremendous influence in the development of
waste treatment technology. Regulations are very much depending on the awareness and urgency of
the need for functioning society in a better way. Regulation is acting as the supporting tool for
promoting a system. Landfill of waste technique was used profoundly until mid 90s where later rules
and regulation made the Landfill technique less favorable. Moreover, regulation imposed in Sweden
for Landfilling of biodegradable waste prompted to extend the technology in treating the waste
biologically. Regulation of combustible waste ban to the landfill ensures higher waste volume for
continuous treatment of the Incineration process. Producers’ responsibilities encourage more
recycling and resource recovery option for the producer in the society. Landfill and incineration tax
shift people to go for more recycling and reuse methods. Regulations acts as supporting tool for the
integrated waste management system in Sweden. Diverse waste treatment technology like landfill,
anaerobic digestion, incineration and resource recovery technology are promoting the local and
international regulations.
The study identified a list of important milestone in MSW generation and management in Sweden
(table 4) which also explains how regulations are adopted due to economical reasons and how these
regulations promote certain waste management technologies in Sweden. This milestone gives the
major waste generation sources and management resources for Sweden from twentieth century. Mile
stone also help to describe roles of regulation in waste technology development. Some milestones
have direct influence on waste technologies like landfill tax, banning of organic waste to landfill and
incineration directive and other have indirect influence like package design or environmental code.
KUNGLIGA TEKNISKA HÖGSKOLAN
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