Page 35 - Waste-to-Energy in the Danube Strategy Region. Challenges and Prospects

3. WtE & waste management in the DSR

This chapter presents the current situation in the DSR countries in terms of WtE development and

waste management practices. Rather than focusing on each country individually, however, each

subsection addresses key indicators relevant for WtE and waste management. Statistical

information for these indicators is used to present the current situation in the DSR countries. The
future potential of WtE and its respective benefits are also assessed in the context of the transition

toward a circular economy.

In addition to waste-related data, relevant energy sector statistics are also presented. In

particular, the role of renewables and WtE in the electricity, heating/cooling and transport sectors
are relevant here. Also relevant are the countries respective targets in these areas and their

performance in achieving those targets. Analysing this data helps to identify areas where WtE

could yield particular advantages.

Wherever possible, Eurostat data are used in order to ensure a certain level of consistency.
However, such data is not always available for all DSR countries, especially some of the non-EU

members. In such cases, supplemental sources may be used, but with the obvious caveat that

comparability will be limited. Even within the EU, definitions of various waste streams can vary
from country to country, thus potentially compromising comparability. This is true also for

municipal solid waste, the main waste stream considered in this chapter. Even within a single

country, divergent data may be available, as exemplified by the discussion of Czech Republic

below. Using Eurostat data nevertheless offers the greatest level of consistency and comparability.

Project co-funded by the European Union
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