Common and Distinctive in Municipal Solid Waste Management in Baltic States.

The importance of the waste recovery issue is emphasized by the concept of circular economy being introduced into a political agenda. New policies offer stricter requirements for recovery of waste materials. This paper discusses contribution of the policy instruments and technological aspects in promoting waste recovery. To assess the impact of different factors, the analysis of experience of waste management system development in the Baltic States: Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia for the period 2004 to 2014 has been made. The study assessed impact of landfill tax on landfill disposal. Separate collection – recycling ratio of biodegradable waste was analysed. Analysis of the mutual effect of various waste treatment solutions and their potential in reaching recovery objectives is conducted. Key conclusions of the study indicate that landfill tax is a desirable but not compulsory tool to divert waste from landfill. The use of a source separation system for recyclables is an essential condition to increase of recycled waste volumes. Availability of waste incineration capacities is the main driver for landfill diversion, but there are concerns, that incineration treatment availability could diminish application of recycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]