Waste management as an element of sustainable development of the circular economy in the European Union

Abstract

The problems of waste disposal at the present stage of development all over the world are the most important. Waste accumulation is an acute problem in all countries. Waste damages the soil, affects the quality of life of the population and damages the vital functions of all living organisms. The decomposition time of some types of garbage is more than 500 years. Rapid population growth increases waste. The problem of their utilization is a promising area of development for all countries. In the countries of the European Union a waste management system has been developed, which gives positive results. The article discusses the main aspects of waste management policy in the countries of the European Union. The data of the general European trend in the formation of household waste for the last two decades are presented. Hypotheses about what factors can influence the correctness of the waste management policy were tested using regression analysis. The recycling rate of waste, the circular material use rate, as well as trade in secondary raw materials were chosen as indicators of the level of development of waste management. The level of GDP, R&D costs, human resources in science and technology were selected as factors of the effectiveness of this policy. Indicators have been identified that have the greatest impact on the degree of waste disposal.