Approx 15 million tons
of waste were generated in 2024, which is approximately 16% less than the previous year
18.1%
was the rate of circulating material in 2023.
In 2027
new waste reporting information system PISTRIK will be launched.
Overview
Waste is generated in every area of human activity, ranging from everyday households and consumption habits to industry, agriculture, and the service sector. As a result, waste has become an inevitable part of our daily lives, and its further management is one of the major environmental challenges. Through conscious consumption choices such as avoiding single-use products, preferring reusable packaging, and planning purchases each of us can reduce the amount of waste generated. In addition, it is very important that waste which has already been generated is collected separately, as this creates the conditions for directing valuable materials back into recycling, where they can gain a new life as raw materials.
In this way, waste is no longer treated as useless residue but as a valuable resource that helps reduce pressure on natural resources and decrease environmental pollution. This, in turn, supports the principles of the circular economy by extending the life cycle of materials. The waste sector is therefore important not only from the perspective of environmental protection but also for ensuring the sustainability of the economy and society, keeping our living environment clean and habitable for future generations.
More information
- Data
-
Waste information query since 2020 (in Estonian) – national waste reporting statistics since 2020
Environmental decision support system KOTKAS (in Estonian) – environmental permit application, processing, environmental fee declaration, and annual reporting (data on waste generation and handling) since 2019
National packaging register PAKIS (in Estonian) – calculation of packaging placed on the market and recycling volumes of waste generated from its use
Problematic products register PROTO – calculation of volumes of waste from the market placement of problematic products (electrical and electronic equipment, motor vehicles and their parts, tires, agricultural plastics, batteries and accumulators) and their recycling
Hazardous waste consignment note register OJS – digital consignment notes for tracking the movement of hazardous waste
Environment portal Data and map (in Estonian) – overview of registered waste management sites
- Legislation