New data indicates that Sweden generated a staggering 164 million tons of waste in 2022, marking an increase from the previous assessment in 2020. The majority of this waste, 86 percent, was mineral waste. Excluding mineral waste, 22.6 million tons of waste were produced, primarily from the construction industry and households.
The Swedish Environmental Emissions Data, in collaboration with the IVL Swedish Environmental Institute, compiles waste flow data in Sweden biennially for the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. The latest report, “Waste in Sweden 2022,” highlights that of the total waste generated, 157 million tons were non-hazardous, while 7.2 million tons were hazardous. The increase is attributed mainly to improved data collection methods.
“This results in significant differences compared to previous reports, but it is still gratifying that we now have more comprehensive data collection. This means that conclusions about trends and changes cannot yet be made. Only in a few years will we have enough data to draw conclusions about developments,” says Carolina Landerdahl at IVL, one of the project leaders for the national waste statistics.
Dominance of Mineral Waste
Mineral waste, including mining waste, mineral construction and demolition waste, soil, and dredged material, accounted for the largest portion, totaling 141 million tons. This waste is primarily managed through landfilling or other disposal methods.
When excluding mineral waste, 22.6 million tons of waste remain. The construction industry contributed 13.6 million tons, households 4.5 million tons, and energy supply 2.0 million tons. Of this, 7.2 million tons were recycled through various methods, including material recycling, land spreading, or use as construction material. However, the predominant method of final treatment was energy recovery, with 6.7 million tons of waste incinerated for this purpose.
Click here for more information about Sweden's national waste statistics!
Text and image: IVL
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