Waste management strategies and environmental impact in Czechia and Slovakia

In the Czech Republic, household mixed waste production remains stagnant at approximately 220 kg per person annually. Despite increased infrastructure for sorted collection and recycling, waste levels have not decreased. Experts suggest that implementing economic incentives, such as linking waste fees directly to the volume or weight of produced waste, is a key recommendation from the EU to improve recycling rates and reduce total waste. For example, the Rheingau-Taunus-Kreis region in Germany saw a significant reduction in waste after introducing volume-based payments and organic waste collection in the mid-1990s.

In Slovakia, particularly in Bratislava, cemetery waste poses a significant environmental challenge. During the All Souls' Day period, the OLO company removes over 2,000 tons of waste from cemeteries. Much of this waste consists of wreaths made from inseparable mixed materials like wire, textiles, and plaster, which prevents recycling and forces them into landfills. While up to 90 percent of cemetery waste is potentially recyclable, current practices often lead to landfilling. Recommendations for reducing this impact include choosing decorations made from natural materials and opting for traditional wax candles in glass containers over short-lived LED lights.