Sweden waste analysis reveals high levels of recyclable material in residual trash

A new analysis by the IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, commissioned by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (Naturvårdsverket), reveals that significant amounts of recyclable materials are still being sent to incineration instead of being recycled.

For the first time, waste data from households, recycling centers, and commercial activities has been compiled at a national level in Sweden. The study, based on over 550 sorting analyses and 50 supplementary analyses of textiles and batteries, highlights several key findings:

- Food waste remains the largest component of household residual waste at nearly 25%, despite extensive separate collection systems. - Paper packaging accounts for over 10% of household residual waste, while plastic packaging makes up more than 11%. - Commercial mixed waste also contains high levels of recyclables, including approximately 14% paper packaging and 9% plastic packaging.

Researchers state that improving waste sorting for both households and businesses offers significant potential for resource savings and reduced climate emissions. The report was developed to help Sweden meet increasing European Union requirements regarding the monitoring and reporting of waste composition, specifically for textiles, batteries, and packaging.