Regional waste footprint and waste treatments analysis. (1st April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Towa, Edgar; Zeller, Vanessa; Merciai, Stefano; Achten, Wouter M.J.
• Is Part Of: Waste management. Volume 124(2021)
• Page Start: 172
• Page End: 184
• Publication Date: 2021-04-01
• Subjects: Waste footprint -- Waste treatment -- Waste accounting -- Multiregional hybrid input–output tables -- Subnational analysis -- Belgium; Hazardous wastes -- Periodicals; Refuse and refuse disposal -- Periodicals; 363.728
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2021.02.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0956-053X

Abstract

Highlights: In-depth analysis of waste footprint and associated treatments at subnational level. Waste footprint is detailed into direct waste, indirect waste and stock depletion. Contribution analysis of waste types, products consumed and origin of waste. Waste footprint of interregional and international linkages are unveiled. Key information to foster waste monitoring and management policies are discussed. Abstract: This paper provides a detailed analysis of the waste footprint and waste treatments at subnational level, for Brussels, Flanders, and Wallonia. The paper details the waste footprint components into direct waste from households (disposed in bins), indirect waste generated upstream in the supply chains and induced by household consumption and waste materials from the degradation of in-use stocks. For each component, we analysed the contribution of waste types, products consumed and location where the waste was generated, as well as the associated treatments. The results show that Flanders had the highest total waste footprint in absolute terms; Brussels the highest direct waste in capita terms and Wallonia the highest indirect waste and stock depletion in capita terms. In each region, almost 78 ± 2% of the regional waste footprints were attributed to the consumption of food products, manufactured products and restaurants and accommodation services. For each region, around 45 ± 4% of the indirect waste was generated within its boundaries, 16 ± 9% in other regions and 39 ± 5% out of Belgium. Incineration was the predominant waste treatment type of the regional waste footprint, followed by recycling. Landfill was the second widely applied treatment for indirect waste. Results constitute key information relevant to enhance the waste data monitoring practices at regional level with effects at national level. We unveiled the waste footprint and associated treatments inherent to the interregional and international linkages. Results are also useful resources to substantiate waste management and circular economy policies, enacting on waste prevention and reduction, ecodesign and product lifetime extension.