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Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
Activity 3.4
Final draft
22.06.2018
.............................................
Twinning Project SR13/IPA/EN/04 16
Support to Waste Management Policy
2
Project partners:
Ministry of Environmental Protection
1, Omladinskih Brigada str., 11070 New Belgrade
Republic of Serbia
Umweltbundesamt
Environment Agency Austria
Spittelauer Lände 5
1090 Vienna
AUSTRIA
and
Naturvårdsverket,
Swedish Environmental Protection Agency
Valhallavägen 195
SE-106 48 Stockholm
and
Lietuvos Respublikos aplinkos ministerija,
Ministry of Environmental, Lithuania
A. Jakšto g. 4, LT-01105 Vilnius
Disclaimer:
This publication has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The
contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of the Twinning Partners, Serbian Min-
istry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection and Environment Agency Austria, and can
under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union.
Cover photographs: ©iStockphoto.com/olaf herschbach, © Thomas Reimer – Fotolia.com, © patrkslezak – Fotolia.com
Twinning Project SR13/IPA/EN/04 16
Support to Waste Management Policy
3
Approvals
Name Date Signature
Prepared by
Rasa Uselytė
Jurgita Gaižiūnienė
Francesca Monte-
vecchi
Maria Ivarsson
Approved by MS Project Leader Brigitte Karigl
Approval by BC Project Leader Aleksandar Vesić
Twinning Project
Project title Support to Waste Management Policy
Project number SR13/IPA/EN/04 16
Project duration August 2017 – August 2019
Project budget 1,500,000 €
Beneficiary country
(BC) Republic of Serbia
Commissioned/fi-
nanced by
European Commission, Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA)
of the European Union
Project partners
Ministry of Environmental Protection
Umweltbundesamt - Environment Agency Austria
and
Naturvårdsverket, Environmental Protection Agency, Sweden
and Lietuvos Respublikos aplinkos ministerija, Ministry of Environmental, Lithuania Aplinkos projektų valdymo agentūra, Environmental Projects man-agement Agency, Lithuania
BC project leader Aleksandar Vesić
Twinning Project SR13/IPA/EN/04 16
Support to Waste Management Policy
4
BC counterpart Luka Starčević
MS project leader Brigitte Karigl
Overall project objec-
tives
The overall objective is to assist Serbian administration to effectively
manage EU integration and pre-accession assistance in order to speed
up preparations for the EU membership
Project purpose
The project purpose is the development and improvement of waste
management system, by completing the strategic and legislative
framework of required sector specific planning documents in line with
the EU Acquis.
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................... 8
1.1 Aim of the analysis and assessment report on WPPs in Europe .................................................................................... 8
1.2 Methodology of the analysis of the national WPP ............................. 8
2 ASSESSMENT OF THREE WPPS IN THE EU .......................... 9
2.1 Assessment of the current Austrian WPP ........................................ 10
2.2 Assessment of the current Lithuanian WPP .................................... 24
2.3 Assessment of the current Swedish WPP ........................................ 37
3 ANALYSIS OF A SELECTION OF MEASURES FOR WASTE PREVENTION FROM THE EU .......................... 43
3.1 Measures that can affect the framework conditions related to the generation of waste ..................................................... 44
3.1.1 Planning measures at local level (Lithuania) ........................................ 44
3.1.2 Initiatives on reduction of food waste (Lithuania) .................................. 45
3.1.3 The Swedish liaison group for prevention of food waste (Sweden) ............................................................................................... 47
3.1.4 Umbrella Initiatives for creating the framework for resource efficiency, waste prevention, circular economy in technology and society (Austria) ....................................................... 48
3.1.5 Academic programs in resource – efficiency related topics (Austria) ...................................................................................... 49
3.1.6 Research programme on policy instruments for waste prevention (Sweden) ............................................................................. 51
3.1.7 Legal measures for enhancing the prevention and recycling of C& D waste (Austria) ......................................................... 52
3.1.8 Development of indicators for waste prevention (Sweden) ............................................................................................... 53
3.2 Measures that can affect the design and production and distribution phase ....................................................................... 55
3.2.1 Promotion of packaging eco-design (Austria) ....................................... 55
3.2.2 Education and awareness raising on food waste in the public administration and in the gastronomy sector (Austria) ................................................................................................. 56
3.2.3 Trainings to include waste prevention in permits (Lithuania) ............................................................................................. 57
3.2.4 Prevention of waste production at installations (Austria) ...................... 59
3.2.5 Promotion of cleaner production projects (Lithuania) ........................... 59
3.2.6 Promotion of packaging eco-design / sustainable business philosophy (Lithuania) ............................................................ 61
3.2.7 Helping businesses to establish their own waste prevention plans (Austria) ..................................................................... 63
3.2.8 Promotion of environmental management systems (Austria) ................................................................................................. 64
3.3 Measures that can affect the consumption and use phase .................................................................................................... 65
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
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3.3.1 Consumers awareness campaign on deposit schemes for packaging (Austria) .......................................................................... 65
3.3.2 Series of initiatives on food waste (Austria) .......................................... 65
3.3.3 Consumers awareness campaign on expiring date of food (Austria) ......................................................................................... 67
3.3.4 The European Week for Waste Reduction (Lithuania) ......................... 68
3.3.5 The promotion of eco-labels: the “Austrian Ecolabel” (Umweltzeichen) (Austria) ..................................................................... 69
3.3.6 Voluntary agreement with business on plastic bags (Austria) ................................................................................................. 70
3.3.7 Campaign to reduce the amount of lightweight carrier bags (Lithuania) .................................................................................... 72
3.3.8 Green public procurement promotion plan (Lithuania) ......................... 72
3.3.9 Green Public Procurement (Austria) ..................................................... 74
3.3.10 Promotion of reuse and repair networks (Austria) ................................ 75
3.3.11 Tax deduction and lowered VAT on repair (Sweden) ........................... 76
3.3.12 Reserve land in city planning for reuse operations (Sweden) ............................................................................................... 76
4 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DRAFTING THE SERBIAN WPP ........................................................................ 78
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
7
ABBREVIATIONS
BAT Best Available Technique
BC Beneficiary Country
CP Cleaner Production
EU European Union
EWWR The European Week for Waste Reduction
IPPC Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control
MS Member States
NGOs Non-governmental Organizations
STE Short-term expert
WEEE Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
WPP Waste Prevention Programme
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
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1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Aim of the analysis and assessment report on WPPs in Europe
The evaluation of the national Waste Prevention Programmes performed under Activity 3.4 is
carried out with the purpose to provide useful insights on the structure and contents of already
implemented and operative programmes, which shall serve as inspiration and guidance for the
preparation of the Serbian WPP.
The analysis of the best practices on waste prevention in other European countries is based on
knowledge of the STE expert team on the implementation of WPPs in 3 selected MS countries
and analysis of available literature.
The assessment and analysis focused on:
Priorities set in the WPPs (e. g. special waste streams)
National strategy for waste prevention
Measures which have to be implemented
Monitoring of the achieved waste prevention
Key merits and drawbacks of the WPPs
In the following chapters, the results of the assessment are presented, and recommendations for
drafting the Serbian WPP are drafted.
1.2 Methodology of the analysis of the national WPP
An assessment template was prepared with the aim to provide a common ground and methodol-
ogy for the assessment of the three National Waste Management Programmes in EU MS, as
foreseen in Activity 3.4.
The analysis is made up by two parts.
In the first part, the WPPs are analysed in their complexity, e.g. measures, indicators, targets,
evaluation and monitoring process are taken into account and described.
In the second part, a selection of measures is presented and assessed in detail, including drafting
recommendations on how these shall be up taken within the Serbian WPPs.
These are represented by 16 measures grouped within three areas respectively as presented in
the table below, which relates to Annex IV of the Waste Framework Directive.
Waste prevention measures according to the life cycle approach
Area 1. Framework conditions relating to the generation of waste:
1. supporting the efficient use of resources;
2. the promotion of research and development;
3. the development of indicators.
Area 2. Design, production and distribution phase:
4. the promotion of eco-design;
5. the provision of information on waste prevention techniques;
6. the organisation of training to include waste prevention in permits;
7. the prevention of waste production at installations;
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
9
8. the use of awareness campaigns and other support to businesses;
9. helping businesses to establish their own waste prevention plans;
10. the promotion of environmental management systems.
Area 3. Consumption and use phase:
11. the introduction of economic instruments (subsidies, charges) to prevent waste;
12. the provision of information for consumers;
13. the promotion of eco-labels;
14. agreements with industry;
15. the integration of environmental criteria into calls for tenders and contracts;
16. the promotion of reuse and repair.
Based on the assessment of the national WPPs conducted, recommendations to support the
preparation of the Serbian WPP are presented in the last chapter of the report.
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
10
2 ASSESSMENT OF THREE WPPS IN THE EU
2.1 Assessment of the current Austrian WPP
The analysis and assessment of Austrian WPPs was based on the template for the analysis re-
ports on WPPs in MS.
AUSTRIA FACT SHEET
GDP EUR 329 billion (2.4 % of EU-28 total in 2014) Per person GDP EUR 35 500 (in purchasing power standard) (130 % of EU-28 average per person in 2014) Use of materials 180 million tonnes DMC (2.7 % of EU-28 total in 2014) 21.0 tonnes DMC/person (161 % of EU-28 average per person in 2014) Resource productivity 1.71 EUR/kg (86 % of EU-28 average in 2014) Structure of the economy Agriculture: 1.3 % Industry: 28.4 % Services: 70.2 % (2014 est.) Surface area 83 900 square kilometres (1.9 % of EU-28 total) Population 8.5 million (1.7 % of EU-28 total)
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
11
Description
Comments/Recommendations
Coverage National The Austrian Waste Prevention Programme is em-
bedded in the National Waste Management Plan.
The inclusion of the WPP document in the NMWP
guarantees a certain continuity between the two top-
ics (waste prevention and waste management).
In addition, provisions on waste prevention of waste
have also been established at the regional level in
Austria, as part of the Regional Waste Management
Plans, such as the Waste Management Plan for Up-
per Austria, which also contains a set of measures
and actions to promote waste prevention, in line with
the fields of actions promoted within the Austrian
Waste Prevention Programme but tailored on the re-
gion.
Recommendations:
To include the National Waste Prevention
Programme into the Waste Management
Plan;
In a second step, to develop Regional
Waste Prevention Programmes for Serbia,
in order to be able to adapt measures and
actions to local situations.
Type of programme Part of the National Waste Management Plan (Bundesabfall-
wirtschftsplan)
The Austrian WPP was always included in the
NWMP.
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
12
Title of programme and link
to programme
Abfallvermeidungsprogramm:
https://www.bmnt.gv.at/umwelt/abfall-ressourcen/bundes-
abfallwirtschaftsplan/BAWP2017-Final.html
(Chapter 5 of the National Waste Management Plan)
Duration of programme 2017 – 2023
The new Austrian Waste Prevention Programme was recently
published (January 2018), as part of the National Waste Man-
agement Strategy.
An evaluation of the previous Austrian Waste Prevention Pro-
gramme (20011- 2017) was carried out in 2016, in order to sup-
port the preparation of the new programme. The document “De-
velopment of the Waste Prevention Programme 2017” is availa-
ble in German at: www.umweltbundesamt.at
The Austrian Waste Management Plan is prepared
and revised every six years. This exercise ensures
that implemented measures and their effectiveness
are evaluated, at least qualitatively, so that ineffec-
tive measures are excluded from the new plan and
new pones can be proposed and included.
Recommendations:
The new Waste Prevention Programme for
Serbia shall be revised on a regular basis;
in particular, the Serbian law on Waste
Management, §11A, prescribed that the
Serbian Waste Prevention Plan shall be
adopted for a period of six years, and shall
be assessed every three years if necessary;
Future assessment of the Waste Prevention
Plan in Serbia shall be conducted in a way
to be able to:
To assess the effectiveness of the im-
plemented measures;
To reconfirm successful measures in
the new Programme;
To exclude those measures which
proved to be less or not effective;
To propose new measures.
Languages German (English version coming soon) -
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
13
Waste prevention objectives
of the programme
During the preparation of the first Austrian WPP in 2006, a vision
was at first develop (“What do we want to achieve in Austria in
20 years from now, from a waste perspective?). The vision was
then concretized into clearly defined objectives. In particular,
based on the Waste Framework Directive, the Austrian Waste
Management Act and the Austrian waste management plan, the
following objectives have been defined for the waste prevention
programme:
Decoupling economic growth from life-cycle environ-
mental impacts of Austrian waste (including all up-
stream chains)
Emission reduction
Minimization of the dissipation of pollutants
Reduction of the use and dissipation of hazardous sub-
stances
Resource efficiency (including energy efficiency).
The objectives were then broken down to Thematic Fields of Ac-
tion (as those listed in the cell below); for each of the Thematic
Fields of Action, specific Measures were proposed.
The development of the Austrian WPP followed a
structured, cascade approach in order to define: the
common vision, a series of strategic objectives, five
thematic fields of actions and finally, a bunch of spe-
cific measures to be implemented. This top-down ap-
proach undertaken for the development of the WPP
can be summarized in the graph below:
Recommendations:
The development of the Serbian WPP shall also take
into account a structured and top down approach
such as the one undertaken by Austria, where com-
mon and overall goals and objectives are first de-
fined, and then broken down at lower levels. This
helps in sketching the general picture and define the
common direction (in the first phase), and to take into
account the specificity of the different thematic inves-
tigated (in the further steps). The process hence
might look like:
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
14
Development of a general vision: “What do
we want to achieve in Serbia in some years
from now?
Formulation of clear objectives which want
to be achieved, for instance in accordance
to those listed in the Waste Framework Di-
rective;
Prioritization of Thematic Fields of Action
which require particular attention shall be
identified;
For each of the Thematic Fields of Action,
specific measures shall be proposed.
The means used to break
the link between economic
growth and the environmen-
tal impacts associated with
the generation of waste
A number of priority waste streams and sectors were identified
for the development of the Austrian WPP, which resulted in the
formulation of the so-called Thematic Fields of Action. The ef-
forts to prevent waste in Austria focus therefore on the following
Thematic Fields of Action:
Prevention of C&D waste;
Waste prevention in industry and other organisations;
Waste prevention in households;
Prevention of food waste;
Reuse.
These Thematic Fields of Action were already part of the Aus-
trian WPP 2011-2017 and were reconfirmed in the WPP 2017-
2023.
Recommendations:
Priority areas for the development of waste reduction
measures shall be identified, targeting in particular:
Activities which generate large amounts of
waste (for instance C&D waste, which in the
EU represents the major source of waste);
Activities which cause major economic loss
(as food waste);
Activities which generate waste that is
costly and inefficient to manage (as residual
MSW);
Activities which generate waste which is
hazardous for the environment contain haz-
ardous substances, (as waste generated by
certain industrial activities, etc.)
Sectors covered Austria identified a series of priority sectors for actions. These
are namely
construction and infrastructure;
Recommendations:
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
15
manufacturing;
sale, retail, transport;
households;
private service activities, hospitality;
public services
Serbia shall identify priority sector and waste types,
keeping in mind that the same waste stream might
be produced by different sectors, and that the pro-
posed measures shall take this into account (e.g. the
prevention of food waste produced by households
will require different measures than the prevention of
food waste by retailers).
Prevention of waste types Austria identified a series of priority waste types for actions.
These are namely:
Food/organic;
construction and demolition waste;
hazardous waste;
household/municipal waste;
waste electrical and electronic equipment/batteries;
manufacturing waste;
bulky waste;
other.
Quantitative targets The previous WPP 2011-2017 did not include targets.
The new Waste Prevention Programme 2017- 2023 includes
now a target, and specifically a reduction of avoidable food waste
of 50% at the retailers and household level and of 15 % in all
sectors, by 2030.
Moreover, the new Austrian voluntary agreement on shopping
bags, published in 2016, sets a reduction of 50% of plastic shop-
ping bags until 2019. This means a target of about 25 plastic
bags per person per year by 2019
Austria introduced targets within the WPP for the
very first time in the 2017-2023 Plan, meaning that
the two previous WPP did not include targets
The study from the European Environment Agency1
on waste prevention status in EU showed that not all
MS included quantitative targets in their WPP, and
that introduction of targets was progressively made
with the update of previous programmes.
Recommendations:
Targets are a good benchmark to check the
effectiveness of waste prevention measure,
1 EEA. 2013. Waste prevention in Europe — the status in 2014.
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
16
and to give a meaning to the achieved re-
sults.
The EU experience showed that targets
were included in many MS WPPs in later
stages, therefore the WPP for Serbia might
want to focus on the measures in its first draft
and include targets in future versions. It is
also important that proposed targets are re-
alistic and achievable compared to the cur-
rent waste generation situation.
Prevention measures With bundles of specific measures focusing on particular priori-
ties, the programme targets both quantitative waste prevention
(less waste generation) and qualitative waste prevention (less
hazardous waste generation).
The core of the Austrian Waste Prevention Programme 2017-
2023 includes more than 80 measures for all the Thematic Fields
of Action.
Prevention of C&D waste:
- low-waste buildings and extended use of buildings;
- eco-design and reuse of building material.
Waste prevention in industry and other organisations:
- Improved design for industrial processes (e.g. develop-
ment of standards, eco-design of products, etc.);
- Direct measures for waste prevention in companies (in-
cluding education of employees, preparation of best
practices fact sheets, implementation of EMAS and
ISO standards, etc.);
The Austrian WPP included more than 80 measures,
resulting from more than 12 years of experience with
waste prevention. Some measures are simpler in
their logic, such as information campaigns targeting
food waste in households; some other require bigger
effort for their implementation, such as the develop-
ment of standards for buildings.
Recommendations:
The development of the WPP for Serbia should start,
at least at the very beginning, with the proposal of
basic measures, avoiding too ambitious plans which
might difficult to be implemented.
Some measures already implemented in Austria
might be of inspiration for the development of the
WPP in Serbia. This might include for instance:
Information campaigns for food waste pre-
vention targeting households and the gas-
tronomy on general;
Information campaign for consumers target-
ing packaging (e.g. plastic shopping bags;
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
17
- Support to business sector for the development of
waste prevention concept in companies’ waste man-
agement plans.
Waste prevention in households:
- Awareness campaigns targeting households and in-
cluding also consumers, schools, etc. (e.g. on plastic
bags; on deposit / refillable packaging; on sustainable
shopping; etc.).
Prevention of food waste:
- Direct measures targeting food production, preparation
and food retail sector;
- Food donations to charities (e.g. Development of qual-
ity standards and guidelines for non-governmental or-
ganisations dealing with unused food);
- Measures targeting food consumption in gastronomy /
public sectors (e.g. in restaurants, canteens, schools,
hospitals, etc.);
- Food prevention in households (e.g. through infor-
mation campaigns).
Reuse:
- Full development of the Austrian reuse sector (e.g. sup-
port for reuse networks; development of networking
platforms for the reuse and waste sectors).
lightweight packaging; packaging-free prod-
ucts; refillable or reusable packaging);
Fees, taxes and bans on packaging (e.g.
plastic shopping bags; lightweight packag-
ing; packaging-free products; refillable or
reusable packaging);
Food donations to charities;
Information campaigns concerning “best be-
fore use” labels;
Implementation of deposit schemes for bot-
tles/ refillable packaging;
Support to the business sector for the de-
velopment of waste prevention plans in their
waste management plans.
Indicators proposed A set of indicators has been developed within the waste preven-
tion programme, differentiating between core and additional in-
dicators:
Core indicators
Generation of:
Recommendations:
Indicators will find application in some years
from now (if at all), namely to assess the ef-
fectiveness of the waste prevention
measures sometimes after their implementa-
tion; nevertheless, indicators shall already
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
18
waste from households and similar institutions, per per-
son;
mixed municipal waste;
industrial waste;
hazardous waste;
construction and demolition waste (without excavation).
Amount of:
separately collected packaging waste;
separately collected problematic materials.
Additional indicators:
Residual waste: mass of hazardous waste, mass of
food (packed, unused, etc.);
Reuse: number and turnover of reuse organisations,
number of second-hand products sold;
Degree of consumer awareness: surveys on
knowledge about different aspects of waste and waste
prevention;
Construction and demolition waste: recycling rates,
landfilled waste, mass of hazardous waste.
The programme does not include a specific description of the
monitoring system.
be included in the WWP (at least the core in-
dicators);
Core indicators as those up taken within the
Austrian WPP aim mostly at quantifying gen-
erated waste and might be a good starting
point for Serbia.
Evaluation and monitoring
of the programme
The core indicators are published annually as part of the Federal
Waste Management Status Report.
An evaluation report of the year 2011 waste prevention pro-
gramme was recently published. This report served as the main
bases for the update of the waste prevention programme 2017-
2023.
Recommendations:
Plans for the evaluation and monitoring of the WPP
shall be already included for future management of
the WPP.
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
19
The evaluation of the WPP 2011-2017 highlighted the following
facts:
- The yearly MSW production per capita increased by
2,4% per year from 2004 to 2007, and just by 1% per
year from 2007 to 2015;
- In the same time, residual waste grew by 0,32 % per
year;
- A significate reduction of 25 % of generated industrial
waste was observed since 2004 (although in 2014 and
2015 some slight increase was observed).
Target groups The prevention programme is aimed at a wide variety of target
groups, including people involved in the design of products, peo-
ple involved in producing goods and providing services, consum-
ers and all stakeholders within the waste management sector. In
addition to aiming to make products more environmentally sound
throughout their life cycles, the programme also reaches out to
the educational system, public administration and the research
and development sector.
It has a specific Austrian focus and does not include measures
aiming to prevent waste outside of Austria (e.g. through eco-
nomic incentives to reduce waste in the production of raw mate-
rials).
Recommendations:
Target groups may differ very much among each
other. These shall be identified, including not just
practitioners from the waste sectors, but also other
relevant actors along the life cycle of products and
waste streams, which might include for instance:
- Industrial designers
- Construction sector
- Private consumers, consumers association
- Public procurement sector, education sector
etc.
Involvement of stakeholders The preparation of the new Waste Prevention Programme builds
upon a stakeholder consultation process, which assesses the
expected effectiveness of specific measures through expert
evaluation.
Recommendations:
Stakeholder consultation showed to be very
important for the preparation of the WPP as
well as for future evaluation. The stakeholder
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
20
The Austrian Ministry of the Environment initiated a process with
the objective of preparing a consensual recommendation for the
2006 national waste prevention and recycling strategy.
Between May 2004 and September 2006, six workshops were
held with the participation of waste management experts from
public administration, universities, interest groups and consulting
firms. The process included the development of trends and a vi-
sion running up to 2015, a discussion of basic principles and ob-
jectives for the coordination of waste prevention and recycling,
an analysis and selection of concrete measures and instruments,
and the bundling of specific measures into packages as the core
of the prevention strategy.
Based on the experience gained from the 2006 waste prevention
and recycling strategy and on the new requirements of the Waste
Framework Directive, the Environment Agency Austria and the
Ministry of the Environment discussed and agreed the 2011
waste prevention programme with waste sector stakeholders by
means of two workshops and an internet-based consultation.
During the last revision process for the Waste Prevention Pro-
gramme 2011- 2017, the fields of action were evaluated for the
implementation of the new program 2017- 2023 (see figure be-
low). The Waste Prevention Programme is revised every 6
years.
The graph shows the rationale behind the evaluation process:
the previous plan is checked, room for improvement is identified
and proposed; new measures are planned in order to be imple-
mented within the upcoming Waste Prevention Plan, which after
6 years will be evaluated again.
One of the cornerstones of the Austrian evaluation process has
been the involvement of stakeholders, not just for the preparation
consultation ensures that measures to be im-
plemented by federal, regional and local gov-
ernment, NGOs, industries and commercial
organisations are discussed and accepted
among representatives of these stakehold-
ers;
Stakeholders´ involvement in the prepara-
tion of the programme shall also give enough
leeway for the stakeholders to participate in
the implementation of the measures accord-
ing to their possibilities and modify the
measures according to the actual needs.
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
21
of the first WPP in 2006, but also for the evaluation of the further
WPPs till today.
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
22
In detail, stakeholders and experts were invited to a kick-off
workshop. Focus of the workshop was a discussion about the
current waste prevention measures in Austria, the challenges to
be faced for the Austrian waste and resource economy in the
upcoming years, and the general focus of the 2017-2023 Waste
Prevention Programme.
In addition, the evaluation of the current (and recently com-
pleted) waste prevention measures in Austria was presented.
This evaluation was carried out through expert interviews and
internet searches and was meant to highlight the extent to which
the measures implemented met the expectations of the 2011
Waste Prevention Programme. Furthermore, it was examined
whether the vision of the Waste Prevention Programme 2011
and its objectives are still current, necessary and efficient.
Based on these assessments, the selection of the measures for
the 2017 waste prevention program was carried out in two further
stakeholder workshops. The selected measures were formulated
and structured in stages of implementation.
Overall, the development of the 2017 waste prevention program
was based on a methodology recommended by the European
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
23
Commission in its Guidelines on Waste Prevention Programs
(Bio Intelligence Service 2009a).
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
24
2.2 Assessment of the current Lithuanian WPP
The analysis and assessment of Lithuanian WPPs as based on the template for the analysis
reports on WPPs in MS.
LITHUANIA FACT SHEET
GDP EUR 36 billion (0.3 % of EU-28 total in 2014) Per person GDP EUR 20 600 (in purchasing power standard) (75 % of EU-28 average per person in 2014) Use of materials 44 million tonnes DMC (0.7 % of EU-28 total in 2014) 14.8 tonnes DMC/person (113 % of EU-28 average per person in 2014) Resource productivity 0.76 EUR/kg (38 % of EU-28 average in 2014) Structure of the economy Agriculture: 3.7 % Industry: 28.2 % Services: 68.1 % (2014 est.) Surface area 65 300 square kilometers (1.5 % of EU-28 total) Population 2.9 million (0.6 % of EU-28 total)
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
25
Description Comments/Recommendations
Coverage National
Type of programme Separate programme According to the Law on Waste Management the
National Waste Prevention Programme is separate
document, approved by the Minister of Environment
of the Republic of Lithuania Order No. D1-782 of 22
October 2013.
Waste department (Ministry of Environment) is re-
sponsible for evaluation of the National Waste Pre-
vention Programme at least every sixth year and
submitting proposals regarding its revision as appro-
priate.
In order to have unified document – National waste
prevention and management plan” (thereinafter –
Waste prevention and management plan) for the pe-
riod of 2021-2027 new amendment of the provisions
regarding WPP in the Law on Waste Management
are prepared. The new Waste prevention and man-
agement plan and its implementation measures will
be adopted by resolution of the Government of the
Republic of Lithuania.
According to Lithuania’s experience:
One document will cover the main aims of
waste prevention and management as waste pre-
vention and resource efficiency is becoming more
and more important (seeking to accelerate the tran-
sition to a circular economy);
The unified document adopted by resolu-
tion of the Government will have more legal and
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
26
political power for implementation of the measures
identified in that document;
However, it could be more difficult to
change, add or eliminate the measures in the doc-
ument if needed.
Recommendations:
According to Lithuania’s experience it would
be more useful to have one document cov-
ering waste prevention and management;
However, it is planned (according to the
Law on Waste management) that Serbian
WPP will be included in a separate docu-
ment from the national waste management
plan. According to the provisions in the Law
on Waste Management. Serbian WPP
should be adopted by the Government and
the minister shall prescribe a list of preven-
tion measures related to waste generation.
Title of programme and link
to programme
National waste prevention programme
https://www.e-tar.lt/portal/lt/le-
galAct/TAR.09C26B84F785/OIouSxGOPc
-
Duration of programme 2014-2020 The new Waste prevention and management plan
will be adopted by resolution of the Government until
the end of 2020 year for the period 2021-2027 year.
Languages Lithuanian
Waste prevention objectives
of the programme
The aim of the WPP is to provide an analysis of the current situ-
ation in the field of waste prevention and to establish:
Recommendations:
The aims in Lithuanian WPP could consist
as a good example for Serbian WPP as it
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
27
the waste prevention priorities (including priority waste
streams);
objectives and targets of WPP;
measures for implementation of WPP.
In accordance with the waste hierarchy, the highest priority in the
area of waste prevention and management should be given to
waste prevention, promotion of sustainable consumption and a
rational use of resources and materials.
The waste prevention objectives are as follows:
to prevent the generation of waste;
to reduce the quantity of generated and not recovered
waste;
to reduce the amount of noxious substances in materi-
als and products;
to re-use products or extend their life-cycle.
The objectives of the National Waste Prevention Programme for
2014–2020 are as follows:
1. to achieve, in a growing economy a slower increase of
waste generation from the manufacturing, construction and
other sectors and that the amount of waste generated does not
exceed the average of the EU Member States;
2. to decouple consumption growth from municipal waste,
including packaging, waste electrical and electronic equipment
and bio-degradable waste. Moreover, the amount of municipal
waste generated shall not exceed the average of the EU Mem-
ber States.
The targets set out in the National Waste Prevention Programme
for 2014–2020 are as follows:
covers the main concept of waste preven-
tion.
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
28
To achieve the objective number 1, the following activities are
specified:
1.1 to promote waste prevention in the manufacturing and
other sectors;
1.2 to increase the efficient use of materials and resources;
1.3 to improve the qualifications of employees in waste pre-
vention in businesses, farms, agricultural enterprises and con-
trolling authorities.
To achieve the objective number 2, the following activities are
specified:
2.1 to improve the waste management legislation establish-
ing requirements relating to the municipal waste prevention and
re-use;
2.2 to promote sustainable consumption;
2.3 to promote the re-use of products and preparation for re-
use operations;
2.4. to increase public awareness and improve the qualifica-
tions of municipal staff in waste prevention.
The means used to break the
link between economic
growth and the environmen-
tal impacts associated with
the generation of waste
The programme aims to decouple the growth of industry and the
economy, manufacturing, construction and other sectors from
waste generation, so that the waste generated does not exceed
the average for EU Member States. Concreate measures are de-
scribed in the Annex of the WPP.
Recommendations:
Serbian WPP could identify the measures
which could be listed in the annex of WPP
and serve to decouple the growth of econ-
omy from waste generation.
Sectors covered Agriculture;
construction and infrastructure;
manufacturing;
sale, retail, transport;
-
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
29
households;
private service activities/hospitality;
public services.
Prevention of waste types This WPP covers all waste streams but priority is given to the
reduction of:
packaging waste with special attention to lightweight
carrier bags;
waste electrical and electronic equipment;
bio-degradable waste;
hazardous waste and
construction waste.
These priority waste streams have the maximum negative effect
on the environment and human health and/or, compared to other
waste streams, large quantities of such waste are generated in
Lithuania.
From the amendment of WPP in 11/10/2016 special attention is
given to lightweight plastic carrier bags identifying their impact to
the environment and seeking to reduce the amount of plastic car-
rier bags. Concrete measures are described in the Annex of the
WPP.
Recommendations:
The priority waste streams for WPP for Ser-
bia should be identified according to the
analysis of the generation of waste taking
into account the biggest amounts of waste,
the most important industry sectors, im-
ported products, negative impacts to the en-
vironment / human health or other factors.
Quantitative targets WPP does not include specific quantitative targets. The quanti-
tative targets are set in the Plan for Waste Management (2014-
2020). Currently WPP is a part of the Plan for Waste Manage-
ment (2014-2020).
Waste prevention is very important in the transition
to a more circular economy and the monitoring of
the key trends could help to understand if planned
waste prevention measures give the results which
need to be achieved as well as to help identify suc-
cess factors.
Recommendations:
There are a lot of discussions even at the
European Union level which indicators
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
30
could serve as indicators for waste preven-
tion. At the same time there are a lot of rec-
ommendations for waste prevention indica-
tors starting with reduction of municipal
waste disposal in the landfills, recycling tar-
gets of different waste streams and ending
with indicators such as decoupling of the
economy and waste generation;
According to Lithuania’s experience it would
be good to have quantitative waste preven-
tion benchmarks in order to observe the ef-
fectiveness of WPP measures.
Prevention measures Lithuanian WPP consists of measures that can affect:
1. the framework conditions related to the generation of
waste:
Requirement to include waste prevention measures in
regional and municipal waste management plans are indicated
in the Order of the Minister of the Environment of the Republic
of Lithuania No. D1- 1004 “Requirements for regional and mu-
nicipal waste management plans” adopted in 16 December
2010. The municipalities or regional authorities can choose
which measures they want to implement at the local level ac-
cording to its specific conditions;
When carrying out public procurement of goods, ser-
vices and works to which environmental criteria are applicable,
governmental institutions and other state institutions and bodies
accountable to the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, the
Prime Minister’s Office, ministries, institutions under ministries
and other institutions and bodies subordinate to ministries are
required to apply these environmental criteria. Other contracting
Measures of Lithuanian WPP have to be imple-
mented in period of 2014-2020. Some of them have
already been implemented, part of them are under
the implementation stage or will be implemented un-
til 2020 year. Because of different reasons (lack of
funding and sources of funding, measures that may
become obsolete, etc.) not all the measures indi-
cated in the Annex of Lithuanian WPP are imple-
mented in the planned period.
Recommendations:
Try to plan actions, their funding and fund-
ing sources at the earliest stage of planning;
Try to involve different institutions responsi-
ble for waste prevention issues such as
green public procurement, cleaner produc-
tion, eco-labelling, eco-design, education
etc.;
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
31
authorities are only recommended that environmental criteria
should be applied to public procurement.
2. the design and production and distribution phase:
eco-design is an efficient measure aimed at promoting
waste prevention, during which a life-cycle analysis is applied to
product design and systematic application of environmental re-
quirements is ensured. In Lithuania, eco-design is hardly applied
because the low level of public environmental awareness deter-
mines a rather low demand for eco-friendly products. Busi-
nesses lack information and knowledge in the field of eco-de-
sign, time and other resources to launch new projects as well as
reliable data on products and their environmental impact. In or-
der to improve the knowledge about application of eco-design
and its benefits in 2014-2020 it is planned to provide financial
assistance to eco-design projects, including research, demon-
stration projects and training on eco-design and life-cycle analy-
sis for industrial enterprises;
Lithuanian industrial and business enterprises install
environmental management systems. By installing these sys-
tems, enterprises look for possibilities to implement waste pre-
vention measures or ensure that waste management is carried
out according to the order of priority. Financial assistance pro-
vided by the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Lithuania to
undertake for the certification of environmental management
systems was very effective in promoting the installation of these
systems. The installation of environmental management sys-
tems is an indirect but effective measure aimed at promoting
waste prevention, and it should be applied in Lithuanian enter-
prises on a wider scale.
3. the consumption and use phase:
Public awareness and education in the field of waste
prevention. In Lithuania a lot of public awareness and education
Plan waste prevention measures for differ-
ent sectors (households, public and private
institutions, industry, society). The biggest
attention should be paid for priority waste
streams;
To conduct the survey which could show if
the society has enough information on
waste prevention and management and
give ideas how the dissemination of infor-
mation could be improved.
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
32
campaigns are conducted as well as planned to implement in
order to prevent waste generation. As good examples can be
named Lithuania’s participation the European Week for Waste
Reduction which started in 2015. A lot of institutions (kindergar-
tens, schools, NGO’s, communities etc. Are participating each
year showing a very nice examples of actions taken) and pro-
motion of lightweight plastic carrier bags which was agreed to
show on TV screens in the biggest shopping centres (actions
was agreed between Ministry of Environment and Lithuanian
Trade Enterprises Association);
Educational seminars, trainings or environmental cam-
paigns for the general public and businesses on the issues of
waste prevention and reduction of consumption are organised
by various non-governmental organisations; these events are at-
tended by municipalities as well. For example, the environmental
protection initiative Let’s Stop Buying Plaster Water Bottles
launched in 2010 encouraged Lithuanian businesses, state in-
stitutions, bodies and organisations as well as citizens to create
a more environmentally-friendly water consumption culture and
thus reduce the generation of waste;
Each year (starting from 2015) the Ministry of Environ-
ment conducts the so called “Survey of public confidence in a
waste management system”. The results of survey show if the
public awareness on waste prevention and management (in
general) increases or not as well as identifies the main sources
of information which is useful for society, problems in waste
management etc. and give the ideas how to improve dissemina-
tion of information which also serves as waste prevention meas-
ure;
Social initiatives aimed at achieving social objectives,
i. e. to help people in need, or to promote sustainable consump-
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
33
tion by exchanging and reusing things, are becoming more pop-
ular in Lithuania. These initiatives indirectly contribute to the pro-
motion of waste prevention as assistance is provided in the form
of things fit for reuse, swapping of used things is organised, etc.;
Food waste has the greatest potential to prevent bio-
logical waste. Information on how to reduce the quantity of food
waste is provided to inhabitants by the Ministry of Environment
and State Food and Veterinary Service as well. In 2016 the Di-
rector of State Food and Veterinary Service has adopted national
regulation on food donation “Procedure for handling the food for
charity”. It includes obligatory requirements for registration as
food business operator of all charity organizations (that handle
the food), liability, traceability, hygiene and other requirements.
Trainings on food waste prevention for enterprises which gener-
ate public catering waste have been organized by State Food
and Veterinary Service as well;
The deposit-refund system for refillable glass contain-
ers of beverages is applied since 2006. According to the data the
Deposit System Administrator, in 2015, 85 % of supplied glass
beverage packaging was returned.
Indicators proposed Lithuanian WPP defines indicators for waste prevention specifi-
cally for:
manufacturing, construction and demolition and other
economic activities sector and
municipal and other specific waste sectors.
The quantity of waste generated and collected in the manufac-
turing, construction and other sectors:
agriculture, forestry and fishing (tonnes and kilograms
per capita);
mining and quarrying (tonnes and kilograms per capita);
Recommendations:
Indicators can show the effectiveness of
waste prevention measures which are im-
plemented during the specific time period;
The suggestion is to define a few or more
core indicators (primarily focusing on prior-
ity waste streams and/or sectors), which
later can be expanded.
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
34
manufacturing (tonnes and kilograms per capita);
electricity, gas, steam supply and air conditioning
(tonnes and kilograms per capita);
water supply and wastewater treatment (tonnes and kil-
ograms per capita);
waste management and regeneration (tonnes and kilo-
grams per capita);
construction (tonnes and kilograms per capita);
aggregated numbers in the sectors, such as manufac-
turing, construction and other sectors of the economy
(tonnes and kilograms per capita).
Manufacturing, construction and other sectors of the economy
are assessed on the amount of waste per unit of GDP in total
and by the types of economic activities (tonnes / thousand EUR).
The quantity of municipal and other specific waste collected and
the amount of waste prepared for re-use:
the quantity of municipal waste collected (tonnes and kil-
ograms per capita) and the quantity of municipal waste
prepared for re-use (tonnes, percentage of total munici-
pal waste generated per year);
the volume of packaging placed on the domestic market
(per capita) and the quantity of packaging prepared for
re-use (tonnes, percentage of total packaging placed on
the domestic market per year);
the quantity of waste electrical and electronic equipment
collected (tonnes and kilograms per capita) and the
quantity of this waste prepared for re-use (tonnes, per-
centage of total WEEE generated per year);
the quantity of municipal biodegradable waste (calculat-
ing both the separately collected waste fractions and bi-
odegradable waste within the mixed municipal waste
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
35
stream) (tonnes and kilograms per capita; percentage of
total municipal biodegradable waste generated per
year).
Evaluation and monitoring of
the programme
The effectiveness of the programme is evaluated every second
year (even years) using the above described criteria.
The Ministry of the Environment publishes the quantitative crite-
ria on the website of the Environmental Protection Agency (web-
site www.gamta.lt).
The institutions implementing the Programme report to the Min-
istry of the Environment on the implementation of the measures
defined in the programme each year on 1 February.
The participants in the implementation of the Programme include
the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Economy, the Minis-
try of Health, the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry
of Agriculture, and the State Food and Veterinary Service.
The evaluation of WPP for 2014 showed that the amount of mu-
nicipal waste generated is growing in Lithuania (433 kg/per-
son/year), but it is lower than ES28 average (475 kg/per-
son/year). The amount of municipal waste generated in 2016 in
Lithuania – 444 kg/person/year (ES28 – 482 kg/person/year).
Current Lithuanian WPP is the first one and adopted
in 2013 year. Lithuanian WPP has been evaluated
(using so called basic criteria) just once so far ac-
cording to the requirement to evaluate the Pro-
gramme every second year (in even-numbered
years).
Recommendations:
The quick evaluation (using basic criteria) of
WPP might be conducted every second
year in order to get an opinion on the effec-
tiveness of applicable waste prevention
measures in Serbia and identifying the ar-
eas there the situation should be improved.
Target groups The Lithuanian waste prevention programme does not define a
specific target audience but addresses a wide range of different
actors along the value chain, for instance municipalities and au-
thorities, waste holders – both natural and legal persons – trade
associations, farmers and others.
Recommendations:
According to Lithuania’s experience Ser-
bian WPP could address wide range of ac-
tors along value chain giving the priority to
the most problematic areas.
Involvement of stakeholders A project for the development of the programme was approved
by a supervisory committee. The committee consisted of repre-
sentatives of the Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of the
Recommendations:
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
36
Economy, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture and
the State Food and Veterinary Service, the Confederation of In-
dustrialists and the Association of Lithuanian Trade Enterprises.
The development of the programme also involved public partici-
pation.
The implementation of the programme involves:
the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Lithua-
nia;
the Ministry of the Economy of the Republic of Lithua-
nia;
the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania;
the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic
of Lithuania;
the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania;
the State Food and Veterinary Service.
During the development of WPP of Serbia
institutions responsible for current waste
prevention measures have to be involved.
Other comments The Annex of WPP includes the plan of measures as well as pre-
liminary demand of funds, funding source, responsible institu-
tion/-ions and deadline of implementation.
New measures, implementing institutions, preliminary funds and
funding sources in WPP can be included if needed (new EU or
national policy requirements etc.).
Recommendations:
If possible each measure in Serbian WPP
has to have:
demand of funds (if applicable);
funding source (if applicable);
deadline for its implementation;
responsible institution/-ions.
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
37
2.3 Assessment of the current Swedish WPP
The analysis and assessment of Lithuanian WPPs as based on the template for the analysis
reports on WPPs in MS
In this paragraph, the “country fact sheet” and the “assessment table” are presented, with specific
indication on the information which shall be provided for the WPP assessment.
COUNTRY FACT SHEET
GDP 431 EUR billion (3.1 % of EU-28 total in 2014) Per person GDP EUR 33 700 (in purchasing power standard) (123 % of EU-28 average per person in 2014) Use of materials 224 million tonnes DMC (3.4 % of EU-28 total in 2014) 23.1 tonnes DMC/person (176 % of EU-28 average per person in 2014) Resource productivity 1,75 EUR/kg (88% of EU-28 average in 2014) Structure of the economy Agriculture: 2 % Industry: 12 % Services: 86 % (2014 est.) Surface area 438 600 square kilometers (9.8 % of EU-28 total) Population 9,7 million (1.9 % of EU-28 total)
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
38
Item Description Comments/Recommendations
Coverage National
Type of programme Separate waste prevention programme
Title of programme and link to
programme
Tillsammans vinner vi på ett giftfritt och resurseffektivt
samhälle - Sveriges program för att förebygga avfall 2014-2017
http://www.naturvardsverket.se/Miljoarbete-i-
samhallet/Miljoarbete-i-Sverige/Uppdelat-efter-
omrade/Avfall/Avfallsforebyggande-program/
Duration of programme 2014-2018
Language(s) English translation. “Together we will gain from a non-toxic, re-
source efficient society”.
Waste prevention objectives of
the programme
The aim of the programme is to guide and inspire Swedish
stakeholders so that environmental goals are achieved, less
waste is generated and products are designed not to contain
hazardous substances, regardless of how much the economy
grows.
The stakeholders of the programme thought that it was
good that we had prioritized and chosen just a few
waste flows. Sweden prioritized the areas on the basis
of how much waste that was generated for each waste
flow and the environmental load of each waste type.
The means used to break the
link between economic growth
and the environmental impacts
associated with the generation
of waste
There are several specific strategies presented for each of the
four focus areas in the programme (food, textiles, electronics
and construction and demolition waste).
The strategies for food waste is about increasing awareness
and improving coordination in the food supply chain, measure
avoidable food waste and increase awareness of food safety
and avoidable food waste among consumers.
When it comes to textiles the strategies are about changing
consumption patterns, increase reuse and extend the active life
span, reduce the content of hazardous substances and im-
prove information about the content of textiles.
The areas are different and therefore different strate-
gies are needed.
One main strategy was to involve stakeholders in the
drafting of the programme. In that way it would be more
likely that they carried on working with the measures
proposed in the programme. This is something to be
recommended as well for Serbia.
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
39
The strategies for the construction and demolition sector is
about reducing the amount of hazardous substances by im-
proved documentation and improved inspection and enforce-
ment. It is also about designing building material in a way that
it is possible to disassemble. The EPA will also work on in-
creasing the industry´s insight about the environmental bene-
fits of reuse and the knowledge of material flows.
When it comes to electronics the strategies are about improv-
ing information regarding the content of electronics, pursuing
waste prevention in appropriate EU legislation, increasing re-
use and the life span of electronics and the content of hazard-
ous substances.
Sectors covered Agriculture, construction and demolition, manufacturing, sale,
retail, transport, households, private service activities/ hospital-
ity and public services.
We found on our part that it was way enough to focus
on four areas in the waste prevention programme. In
that way it was possible to work things through more
thoroughly. Prevention of waste types Food waste, construction and demolition waste, hazardous
waste, WEEE/batteries, textiles.
Quantitative targets The Programme includes 8 targets:
The amount of waste shall be reduced continuously
compared to year 2010.
The content of hazardous substances in materials
and products shall be reduced.
The food waste in the entire food chain shall de-
crease compared to year 2010.
Textile waste from households shall decrease com-
pared to year 2010.
The stakeholders of the programme thought that it was
good that we had prioritized and chosen just a few
waste flows. Some of them would have wanted the
goals quantified with a fixed number.
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
40
The proportion of second-hand goods in total sales of
textiles shall increase compared to year 2014.
The knowledge on use and content of hazardous sub-
stances in textiles has increased in the textile sector
compared to year 2014.
In year 2020 waste generation per m2 built is de-
creased compared to year 2014.
By year 2020, pre-processors and recyclers of WEEE
have access to useful information on the composition
of products and the content of hazardous substances
compared to year 2014).
Prevention measures The programme includes 167 measures of which 34 measures
are initiatives which the government will implement. The re-
maining 133 initiatives are proposals which different stakehold-
ers could implement. The main part of the 167 initiatives relates
to measures on quantitative waste prevention. The initiatives
are both generic and directed to four focus areas: Food, Tex-
tile, C&D, EEE.
The measures include both measures that can affect the
framework conditions related to the generation of waste,
measures that can affect the design and production and distri-
bution phase and measures that can affect the consumption
and use phase.
If more time had been available, it would have been
good to gather more stakeholders and make a volun-
tary agreement with them on some of the most im-
portant measures on their part. We managed to do that
concerning the other national authorities. It turned out
to be a successful thing to do.
Indicators proposed The indicators and monitoring are described in general terms
in the programme for all targets. The indicator for the amount
of total waste will be based on measurement of total waste ex-
cluding mining waste. Indicators for the four focus areas (food,
textiles, construction and demolition waste and electronic
waste) already exist but will be further developed.
The indicators have been useful since they gave “hard
facts” when we followed up the programme in the me-
dium term. In that way we could conclude that the over-
all waste amounts had been lowered and that the re-
use of textiles had increased, for instance.
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
41
The responsibility for the development and monitoring of the
indicators are described in the programme and are primarily
the responsibility of the Swedish EPA.
Evaluation and monitoring of
the programme
The progress of the waste prevention programme has been
monitored once in midtime.
Overall, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency sees
positive signs in several target areas. The amount of waste has
fallen since 2010. However, it has not taken place continu-
ously, which means that the target has not been achieved in
strict terms. So far, it's too early to say if what we see is the
beginning of a positive trend, but we see a number of positive
signs. This is for instance reflected in the increased reuse of
household textiles and reuse of things that if discarded would
become bulky waste. Further, the amount of food waste and
construction waste has decreased and the textile industry has
gained better knowledge of dangerous substances.
The programme mainly targets public administrations, trade
unions and businesses. When we evaluated the programme
and checked how well known it was among stakeholders it
turned out that it was well known among municipalities, public
administrations and trade organizations, but not so well known
among businesses. This has probably to do with the fact that
we were not able to communicate the programme to the extent
that would have been necessary for better knowledge and
compliance.
However, many of the businesses work with the measures pro-
posed in the programme anyway. This indicates that the pro-
cess of drafting the programme together with stakeholders and
asking them for proposals on measures was a good thing. We
seem to have captured the right measures that was endorsed
As mentioned above it was good to prioritize the work
in a few areas, involve stakeholders in drafting the pro-
gramme, making voluntary agreements with the na-
tional authorities on their measures, and using indica-
tors for tracking the quantitative and qualitative goals.
It is also good to involve stakeholders in the drafting of
the programme and communicate well all the way
through the process.
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
42
by all important stakeholders. The measures directed towards
other national authorities has been especially successful. This
is probably due to the fact that we had an extensive dialogue
during the drafting process concerning the proposed measures
and in that way we could agree upon them on a different level.
During the evaluation of the programme it became clear that
the stakeholders thought that the chosen areas in the pro-
gramme were right, but they wanted fewer measures and
shorter documents. It also became clear that they thought that
it was a good thing to have just a few, prioritized areas to focus
on.
Target groups Key target groups for this program are the decision makers in
the form of managers and politicians at different levels, legisla-
tors, business leaders, trade associations, municipalities and
authorities.
It is good to work through and specify the target
groups. In that way it is easier to communicate the pro-
gramme.
Involvement of stakeholders We involved many stakeholders in drafting the programme.
Municipalities, regions and stakeholders in the food, textile and
construction and demolition waste sectors have participated in
workshops in 2012-2013. The Swedish Waste Council (Natur-
vårdsverkets avfallsråd) has been an advisory board under the
development of the programme.
It was a successful and absolutely necessary strategy
to involve stakeholders in the process of drafting the
programme. In that way we ensured that many of the
voluntary measures were put in effect.
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
43
3 ANALYSIS OF A SELECTION OF MEASURES FOR WASTE PREVENTION FROM THE EU
In this chapter, a selection of measures for waste prevention from EU countries is analysed and
presented. In addition, recommendations for their potential inclusion within the Serbian are for-
mulated.
The table below aims at providing an overview on the selected measures according to three ar-
eas.
Area 1. Framework conditions relating to the generation of waste:
1. supporting the efficient use of resources
Planning measures at local level (Lithuania)
Initiatives on reduction of food waste (Lithuania)
Umbrella Initiatives for creating the framework for resource efficiency, waste preven-
tion, circular economy in technology and society (Austria)
Legal measures for enhancing the prevention and recycling of C& D waste (Austria)
2. the promotion of research and development
Academic programs on sustainable resource management (Austria)
Research programme on policy instruments for waste prevention (Sweden)
3. the development of indicators
Indicators for waste prevention (Sweden)
Area 2. Design, production and distribution phase:
4.the promotion of eco-design;
National awards “Smart Packaging 2016” (Austria)
5. the provision of information on waste prevention techniques;
“United against waste” (Austria)
The Swedish liaison group for prevention of food waste (Sweden)
6. the organisation of training to include waste prevention in permits;
Trainings to include waste prevention in permits (Lithuania)
7. the prevention of waste production at installations;
“ÖKOPROFIT” programme (Austria)
Promotion of cleaner production projects (Lithuania)
8. the use of awareness campaigns and other support to businesses
Promotion of packaging eco-design / sustainable business philosophy (Lithuania)
9. helping businesses to establish their own waste prevention plans;
“Eco-Business Plan” Vienna (Austria)
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
44
10. the promotion of environmental management systems.
“EMAS and the Circular Economy” (Austria)
Area 3. Consumption and use phase:
11. the introduction of economic instruments (subsidies, charges) to prevent waste;
12. the provision of information for consumers;
"Sag's am Mehrweg" (Let's talk reuse) (Austria)
“Lebensmittel sind kostbar!” (Food is Precious) (Austria)
"Das ist doch noch gut –Pfeiffer“ (This is still good) (Austria)
The European Week for Waste Reduction (Lithuania)
13. the promotion of eco-labels;
The “Austrian Ecolabel” (Umweltzeichen) (Austria)
14. agreements with industry;
“Pfiat di Sackerl” (Goodbye shopping bag) (Austria)
Campaign to reduce the amount of lightweight carrier bags (Lithuania)
15. the integration of environmental criteria into calls for tenders and contracts;
Green public procurement promotion plan (Lithuania)
Green public procurement in Austria (Austria)
16. the promotion of reuse and repair.)
RepaNet, Repaircaffes (Austria)
Tax deduction and lowered VAT on repair (Sweden)
Reserve land in city planning for reuse operations (Sweden)
Table 1: Overview on selected measures implemented in Austria, Lithuania and Sweden
3.1 Measures that can affect the framework conditions related to the generation of waste
3.1.1 Planning measures at local level (Lithuania)
Measure Planning measures at local level
Type of measure Regulation measure
Description (rationale
behind)
Requirements for regional and municipal waste management plans in
Lithuanian determine that the regional and municipal waste manage-
ment plans shall include:
an overview of the current waste management situation;
the situation with waste prevention and the preventive
measures applied (which reduce the quantity of waste, the negative
impact of generated waste on the environment and human health,
and the quantity of hazardous substances in products and materials),
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
45
information on the measures applied for packaging waste and electri-
cal and electronic equipment waste prevention as well as information
on other preventive measures applied (for biodegradable or hazard-
ous construction waste from households) (for example, reducing the
quantity of unwanted advertisements, i.e. leaflets, booklets, bro-
chures etc. in post boxes, public education and information to pro-
mote the use of less hazardous and more environmentally-friendly
household chemicals, purchase of products with eco-labels etc.);
waste management objectives, tasks and targets compliant
with the objectives and targets of the State Waste Management Plan
for 2014-2020 (including waste prevention objectives);
the measures promoting waste prevention and preparation of
waste for re-use, recycling, other recovery and safe disposal;
an evaluation of funding possibilities, evaluation of how the
implementing measures of the regional and municipal waste manage-
ment plans will help to achieve the waste prevention and manage-
ment objectives and targets set out in those plans etc.
The municipalities or regional authorities can choose which measures
they want to implement at the local level according to its specific con-
ditions, funding sources, time framework and include these measures
to regional and local waste management plans.
Waste stream / type /
sectors
Municipal household waste (with the focus on packaging and packag-
ing waste, WEEE, biodegradable and hazardous waste)
Legal / political / other
background
Requirement to include waste prevention measures in regional and
municipal waste management plans are indicated in the Order of the
Minister of the Environment of the Republic of Lithuania No. D1- 1004
“Requirements for regional and municipal waste management plans”
adopted in 16 December 2010 (thereinafter – the Order).
Implementing institu-
tions
Ministry of Environment, councils for regional development, municipal-
ities.
Indicators (if applica-
ble)
There are no specific indicators defined in the Order, but there is re-
quirement for municipalities to established criteria for the evaluation of
implementation of the regional and municipal waste management
plans.
Recommendations
for Serbia
Include waste prevention measures into requirements for regional and
municipal waste management plans.
In order to reach better results of waste prevention it would be useful
to include criteria, for example, the amount of regional and municipal
waste management plans, which determine waste prevention
measures. In that case all waste management plans have to be ana-
lysed and waste prevention measures identified.
3.1.2 Initiatives on reduction of food waste (Lithuania)
Measure Initiatives on reduction of food waste
Type of measure Regulation measure / others
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
46
Description (rationale
behind)
In 2016 the Director of State Food and Veterinary Service has adopted
national regulation on food donation “Procedure for Handling the Food
for Charity”. It includes obligatory requirements for registration as food
business operator of all charity organizations (that handle the food),
liability, traceability, hygiene and other requirements.
Food bank or charitable organizations, receiving food for charity, in
accordance with the hygiene requirements, may repackage, or sort
food, but in that case they must ensure that the mandatory food label-
ling information is provided to the recipient charity organisations or fi-
nal consumer.
To reduce the food waste is permitted to donate pre-packaged food
labelled "Best before ..." after this date in accordance with the recom-
mendations, but within the timeframe set in the recommendations.
[Currently „Best before” and “Use by” are not separated and will be
offered to do this as soon as possible].
Food which does not meet manufacturer or customer specifications,
the quality / marketing standards (as well as fruits and vegetables), as
well as production errors or test production. Food, which packaging
damage may not have an impact on food safety.
In 2014 the Director of State Food and Veterinary Service adopted
„Procedure of Non-animal Food Use in Animal Nutrition“. Food indus-
try operators (except catering companies) can collect and give for en-
tities non-animal food (seeds, nuts, bread, potato products, oil etc.) if
this food is not suitable for trade (because of damaged packaging etc.)
and if there is no animal products included.
Other measures:
Public awareness campaigns to inform the public about envi-
ronmental and economic significance of food waste, during
which practical advice on how to reduce quantity of food waste
would is provided;
Governmental institutions cooperate with non-governmental
organizations (e.g. Food Bank);
Financial assistance for low waste technologies in order to re-
duce amount of food waste.
Waste stream / type /
sectors
Catering waste / food waste
Target group Public authorities
Legal / political / other
background
Legal
Order of the Director of State Food and Veterinary Service 26/08/2018
No. B1-678 “Procedure for Handling the Food for Charity”;
Order of the Director of State Food and Veterinary Service 22/04/2014
No. B1-369 “Procedure of Non-animal Food Use in Animal Nutrition”;
The EU Circular Economy Action Plan (reduction of food waste by
30% until 2030);
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
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SDGs n. 12: goal to halve food waste by 2030.
Implementing institu-
tions
The State Food and Veterinary Service of the Republic of Lithuania
The Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania
The Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Lithuania
Indicators (if applica-
ble)
Catering / food waste generated per person per year
Recommendations
for Serbia
Above described examples which are applicable in Lithuania could
serve as measures for reducing food waste in Serbia.
3.1.3 The Swedish liaison group for prevention of food waste (Sweden)
Measure The Swedish liaison group for prevention of food waste (SaMMa)
Type of measure Dialogue with authorities, consumer organisations and other actors in
the food supply chain.
Description (rationale
behind)
While working with food waste prevention it became clear that the
whole food supply chain somehow needed to be addressed alto-
gether. A small example of the need is that grocery stores may want
to sell two products for the cost of one in an attempt to minimize their
food waste, while this measure is likely to cause additional food waste
for the consumer instead.
Therefore, The Swedish EPA has established The Swedish liaison
group for prevention of food waste (SaMMa) together with
Livsmedelsverket (the National Food Agency) and Jordbruksverket
(The Swedish Board of Agriculture) since 2010. This network was de-
signed to help reduce food waste in Sweden by promoting collabora-
tion throughout the food supply chain. By joining political representa-
tives, researchers, authorities, organisations, and businesses con-
cerned with food supply into a network, these stakeholders can dis-
cuss issues and share experiences and knowledge. The network
holds regular meetings and all members can also join an e-mail net-
work. This network has met 2-3 times a year since inception and has
organized many seminars and workshops.
Since this network was so successful the Swedish EPA and the Swe-
dish Chemicals Agency also have established a textile network that
comprise of the whole textile value chain and works pretty much in the
same way as SaMMa. It was obvious that a common approach was
needed to jointly address issues like design, production and consump-
tion and long-life span to secure sustainability and resource efficiency
of textiles.
Waste stream / type /
sectors
Food waste, textile waste.
Target group Public authorities and the whole food supply chain and the whole tex-
tile value chain.
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
48
Implementing institu-
tions
The Swedish EPA, and The Swedish Chemicals Agency.
Indicators (if applica-
ble)
No indicators are developed except the benchmarks not started yet,
ongoing and completed. This measure is classified as ongoing.
Recommendations
for Serbia
We have found it valuable to gather many stakeholders and jointly dis-
cuss and address waste prevention. However, it is very important to
have a clear aim with the dialogues. When it comes to food waste the
overall aim of our network is to prevent food waste and concerning
textiles the aim is resource efficient and non-toxic textiles. It is im-
portant to include the whole value chain, have a clear agenda for each
meeting and be sure to stimulate everyone to contribute on every
meeting.
3.1.4 Umbrella Initiatives for creating the framework for resource efficiency,
waste prevention, circular economy in technology and society (Austria)
Measure RESET2020
Type of measure Series of Initiatives
Description (rationale
behind)
The Initiative RESET2020- Resource Efficiency Technologies aims to
support measures to increase resource efficiency and circular econ-
omy in Austria, as well as to stimulate the exchange, networking and
cooperation of different actors from business, science, governance
and the society.
At the centre of RESET2020 are an efficient use of material resources,
the implementation of circular economy principles, and the cascade
utilization of resources. Here, the promotion of innovative environ-
mental technologies plays a crucial role in increasing resource effi-
ciency.
Waste reduction is also one of the crucial objectives to be achieved
with this programme.
The RESET 2020 focuses on six thematic fields of action: "Innovative
Environmental Technologies", "Sustainable Raw Materials Manage-
ment", "Renewable Raw Materials", "Sustainable Procurement", "Sus-
tainable Production" and "Sustainable Consumption”, and promotes
the implementation of actions which range from environmental policy
instruments and measures, grants, consultations, management and
accounting systems, information and networking activities.
RESET2020 stands for:
• The communication of environmental policy officers of the
Ministry of the Environment in the area of resource efficiency
and circular economy.
• Strengthening the position of Austria in the EU regarding re-
sources efficiency, consumption and technology.
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
49
• Minimizing environmental impacts, securing viable living and
working areas, and improving domestic resource efficiency.
• The implementation of the European Union's circular econ-
omy package and the European and international objectives
in the field of resource efficiency, such as the Resource effi-
ciency Action Plan (REAP).
Websites:
https://www.bmlfuw.gv.at/umwelt/nachhaltigkeit/ressource-
neffizienz/aktionsplan_ressourceneffizienz_reset/re-
set2020_initiative.html
http://www.ressourcenforum.at/Lernplattform/?lang=en
Waste stream / type /
sectors
Several
Target group Broad: general public and the private sector, procurement.
Legal / political / other
background
EU 2020 Resource Efficiency Strategy
Implementing institu-
tions
Ministry of the Environment
Indicators (if applica-
ble)
DMC (tons resources / year)
Recommendations for
Serbia
Umbrella initiatives tackling several aspects related not just to waste
production but also resource use, lifestyle, technologies, etc., can pro-
vide a comprehensive and holistic approach to the environmental
problem and it is highly recommendable, especially in order to tackle
the whole life cycle of resources and avoid burdens shift.
3.1.5 Academic programs in resource – efficiency related topics (Austria)
Measure University programs on resource efficiency, circular economy and
waste- prevention related topics
Type of measure Educaton, research and development
Description (rationale
behind)
Some Austrian universities offer academic programs as bachelor de-
grees in resource efficiency- related topics:
The Bachelor degree of Science in Engineering in „Sustainable Re-
source Management“ is offered since October 2016 at the University
FH Campus Wien. The course offers two specializations:
- Sustainable resource use
- Packaging technologies
The interdisciplinary degree program on Sustainable Resource Man-
agement was developed in partnership with companies and govern-
ment agencies. The primary focus of the degree program is on de-
signing and optimizing sustainable inter-organizational value chains
in companies, from product development to disposal and recycling.
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
50
Therefore the degree program combines engineering, natural sci-
ences, methods of resource management, business administration
and environmental law.
The course on ‘Packaging technologies’ proposes a holistic approach
on packaging. Both courses combine environmental, technology, and
economy aspects
More information is provided at the website (in English):
https://www.fh-campuswien.ac.at/en/study-courses/applied-
life-sciences-bachelor/sustainable-resource-manage-
ment.html
The Bachelor degree in Environment and Bio resource management
at the BOKU University (University of Natural Resources and Life Sci-
ence, Vienna) is characterized by an interdisciplinary, application-ori-
ented teaching, on the management of bioresources, with a focus also
on economic and social sciences.
More information is provided at the website (in German):
https://www.boku.ac.at/studienservices/studien/bakk/h03322
7/?selectedTypes=group.
The educational programme “Umpädicus”. The correct collection and
separation of waste are key elements of environmentally-friendly be-
havior and should therefore be taught as early as possible. The Fed-
eral Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Manage-
ment provided funding for the development of a training course which
is aimed at environmental education for young children.
The key aim of the "Umpädicus" educational programme is to enable
waste and environmental consultants to pass on their expert
knowledge to children in an age-appropriate manner and in line with
the children's personal development. After passing a test, participants
receive a certificate stating that they have acquired expertise and
knowledge in pedagogy, didactics and business administration.
To facilitate participation in Umpädicus, the Federal Ministry of Agri-
culture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management pays 25% of
the training costs of waste and environmental consultants.
Waste stream / type /
sectors
Several
Target group Academics, trainers and teacher
Legal / political / other
background
Not applicable
Implementing
institutions
Ministry of the Environment (BMNT)
Indicators (if
applicable)
Not applicable
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
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Recommendations for
Serbia
Education is an important factor for the success of sustainable devel-
opment, not just at the general public level, but also at the academic
level. Properly training the managers of tomorrow is extremely im-
portant, as well as introducing sustainability aspects in all kind of ac-
ademic paths – also those not immediately correlated to environment.
3.1.6 Research programme on policy instruments for waste prevention (Sweden)
Measure Research programme on policy instruments for waste prevention
Type of measure Research programme
Description (rationale
behind)
Towards Sustainable Waste Management (Hållbar avfallshantering)
was a six year long research programme financed by the Swedish
EPA. The researchers have developed a list of some sixty policy in-
struments that can contribute to better waste management and waste
prevention. Fifteen of theses have been assessed in four forecasting
scenarios. The policy instruments examined concern both waste pre-
vention and increased recycling. The following list includes both types
of policy instruments. Policy instruments evaluated by Hållbar avfall-
shantering (bold, indicates the researchers consider them interesting
to pursue):
Tax on raw materials.
Tax on hazardous substances.
Recycling certificates.
‘Advertising, yes please!’
Reduced VAT for services.
Negative labelling of products containing hazardous sub-
stances.
Requirements/support for waste reduction in companies.
Improved inspection and enforcement of operations.
Weight based waste fees (municipal policy instrument).
Environmentally differentiated waste fees (municipal pol-
icy instrument).
Consumer oriented collection systems.
Climate tax on combustion of fossil fuels.
Weight based tax on incineration of waste material.
Electricity certificates for incineration of waste material.
Requirements on recycling of recyclable materials.
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
52
The assessments show that each policy instrument alone can give 1
to 1.5% reduction in total amount of waste.
Waste stream / type /
sectors
Different kinds of waste depending on the type of policy instrument
like paper, services, hazardous substances and recyclable materials
for instance.
Target group Different target groups depending on the policy instrument chosen, but
many policy instruments target households.
Implementing institu-
tions
The Swedish government and municipalities.
Indicators (if applica-
ble)
No indicators are developed except the benchmarks not started yet,
ongoing and completed. This measure is classified as completed.
Recommendations
for Serbia
The most important conclusion from the research program is that sev-
eral policy instruments must be used, preferably in combinations, and
involve relevant stakeholders. Information is a necessary complement
to almost all these policy instruments. But information alone is not
enough to create change.
Even if the effects on total waste volumes were limited according to
the assessments in Hållbar avfallshantering, the researchers believe
it may be useful to develope some of them further. The interdiscipli-
nary collaboration has also led to proposals for new policy instruments
that were not assessed in the research programme (such as taxing
hazardous substances). So, it is beneficiary to build up this kind of
knowledge in a country since it is useful in other aspects later on.
3.1.7 Legal measures for enhancing the prevention and recycling of C& D waste
(Austria)
Measure Legal measures for enhancing the prevention and recycling of C& D
waste
Type of measure Regulation
Description (rationale
behind)
The prevention of waste from construction and demolition activities in
Austria was supported and enhanced through the enforcement of
laws. In particular:
The Austrian Standard for the dismantling of old buildings and
preparation for reuse of the demolition material (ÖNORM B
3151) was declared as legally binding
The obligation to identify and remove hazardous substances
prior to demolition was introduced;
Obligation for removal of building-components for re-use, if
there is a demand, was introduced
Obligation to keep different construction material separate
from each other after demolition (on-site) was introduces
Definition of quality criteria for the secondary aggregates pro-
duced from demolition material and requiring compliance with
standards was introduced.
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
53
In particular:
The demolition of a structure or several structures within the frame-
work of a construction project involving a total of more than 750 tons
of construction or demolition waste, with the exception of excavated
material, shall be carried out as a deconstruction project, in accord-
ance with ÖNORM B 3151.
It must be ensured that components which can be prepared for reuse
and which are requested by third parties are so constructed and
handed over that the subsequent reuse is not impeded or made im-
possible. Contaminants, in particular hazardous waste (e.g. asbestos
cement, asbestos-containing waste, tarry waste, PCB-containing
waste, phenol-containing waste and (H) CFC-containing insulating
materials or components), and contaminants (e.g. gypsum-containing
waste), which make recycling difficult, must be removed.
The removal of reusable components and the removal of harmful sub-
stances and contaminants must be carried out before a possible me-
chanical dismantling.
Waste stream / type /
sectors
C&D waste
Target group Construction sector
Legal / political / other
background
Austrian ordinance on the recycling of C&D material
(Recyclingbaustoffverordnung)
Implementing
institutions
Ministry of the Environment
Indicators (if
applicable)
Tons of C&D waste / year
Recommendations for
Serbia
Gradual implementation of legally binding requirements for the dis-
mantling of building and in general for the treatment of C&D waste
should be also introduced in Serbia.
Priority, e.g. in the first phases of the gradual implementation of legally
– binding regulations, shall be given to hazardous waste in C&D ma-
terial.
3.1.8 Development of indicators for waste prevention (Sweden)
Measure Indicators for waste prevention
Type of measure Indicators for waste prevention has been developed in Sweden for the
Waste prevention program and for other purposes as well.
Description (rationale
behind)
Waste prevention indicators has been developed for food waste, tex-
tiles and reuse of textiles, electronics and construction and demolition
waste. The idea is that the indicators will track how well waste preven-
tion works in Sweden and in that way the Swedish EPA may prioritize
our work accordingly on the way.
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
54
The statistics on food waste includes agriculture and fishery, food pro-
cessing industry, grocery stores, caterers, restaurants and house-
holds. The statistics are based on different sources. Data is for in-
stance retrieved from collected amounts of food waste in municipali-
ties that use weight-based waste tax and from reports made by mu-
nicipalities on composting. It is among all combined with results from
picking analyses and data from environmental reports from compa-
nies.
The statistics on textiles includes total consumption of new textiles put
on the Swedish market and total waste flows of textiles. We have data
on collected amount of textile for reuse and recycling, and how much
of the collected amount which is sold in Sweden as well as exported
by charity organizations in Sweden. The data comprise of all textile
products put on the Swedish market and exported from the country. It
is possible to track the amounts since each category is coded by Sta-
tistics Sweden. The data on collection, reuse, recycling and export is
collected using surveys and interviews with charity organizations.
The statistics on construction and demolition waste comprise all waste
handled by the construction sector, including soil masses. Much of the
data is retrieved through environmental declarations from facilities that
receives waste and they report how much construction waste is re-
ceived and how they have treated it.
When it comes to indicators on electronics there is a qualitative indi-
cator in the form of a report that sheds light on the baseline of 2014
concerning how much pre-processors and recyclers of WEEE have
access to useful information on the composition of products and the
content of hazardous substances.
Waste stream / type /
sectors
Food waste, textiles, construction and demolition waste, electronic
waste.
Target group National authorities, public administrations, businesses and also con-
sumers.
Implementing institu-
tions
The Swedish EPA.
Indicators (if applica-
ble)
Indicators as described above.
Recommendations
for Serbia
It is a good thing to first investigate and map the big waste flows for
the type of waste chosen. The Swedish EPA has found that it is also
good to standardise the collection of data electronically to a big extent,
but some collection of data must be made manually or through inter-
views anyway. When it comes to waste flows like textiles and food
waste it is a good thing to use picking analyses of residual waste, for
instance. It is also suitable to construct a practical manual for such
activities. Further, it is recommended to Serbia to make regulations
directed towards those concerned facilities who need to report data.
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
55
3.2 Measures that can affect the design and production and distribution phase
In this chapter, measures that can affect the design and production and distribution phase from
different MS are presented.
3.2.1 Promotion of packaging eco-design (Austria)
Measure National awards „Smart Packaging 2018“
Type of measure Promotion of eco-design
Description (rationale
behind)
Every two years, the Federal Minister for Digitization and Business Lo-
cation in cooperation with the Federal Minister for Sustainability and
Tourism awards the "State Prize Smart Packaging" in the categories
"B2B" (transport, repurposing and sales packaging for commercial end
consumers) and "B2C" (sales packaging for private end consumers).
In order to optimize the sustainability of packaging, the circular econ-
omy considers the entire life cycle of a packaging. As a result, positive
environmental effects can be achieved at all stages of the value chain.
This happens through the use of renewable raw materials and innova-
tive processes as well as through efficient recycling. Smart and sus-
tainable production and packaging concepts are crucial in avoiding
food waste and are also tackled within this prize.
The megatrend of digitization has also affected the packaging indus-
try. Digitized processes are increasingly being used in design and pro-
duction, from processes for individualizing packaging to the use of
complex electronic security functions on the intelligent packaging of
tomorrow. For this reason, in addition to the existing awards "Brand
Packaging" and "Innovation", a new special prize on "Digitalization"
(related to packaging) will be awarded for the first time this year.
Hence, the state Prize Smart Packaging fosters the development of
B2B and B2C packaging solutions in order to achieve excellence in
the fields of environmental sustainability, technical functionality, de-
sign and convenience.
Waste stream / type /
sectors
Packaging
Target group General public as well as the private sector;
B2B and B2C
Legal / political / other
background
EU Packaging Directive Directive 94/62/EC aiming at boosting a more
sustainable use of packaging, although no provision on the implemen-
tation of such a prize is indicated in the legal text
Implementing
institutions
Austrian Federal Ministry for Digital and Economic Affairs; Austrian
Federal Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism
Indicators (if
applicable)
Not applicable
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
56
Recommendations for
Serbia
Good packaging shapes brands, influences purchasing decisions and
drives innovation. An official state award can inspire industries to de-
velop more sustainable packaging and to learn from each other. Also.
an official state award creates an incentive for all companies to be-
come better and more competitive.
3.2.2 Education and awareness raising on food waste in the public
administration and in the gastronomy sector (Austria)
Measure “United against waste”
Type of measure Provision of information on waste prevention techniques
Description (rationale
behind)
United Against Waste is a platform for food waste prevention launched
in Austria in 2014. Together, companies from the food service market
as well as the federal government, federal regions, science and NGOs
are pursuing an ambitious goal: to halve avoidable food waste in kitch-
ens by 2030.
An online quick test allows companies in the gastronomy sector (can-
teens, restaurants, etc.) to estimate avoidable food waste and com-
pare it to the industry average with just a few passages. In the subsi-
dized consulting service “KÜCHENPROFI”, independent kitchen pro-
fessionals support the optimization of food and quantities. Two infor-
mation brochures and a kitchen poster provide plenty of inspiration
and tips on how to save food waste in everyday kitchen life. numerous
examples of practical solutions are also avoidable online.
In addition to food preparation processes, the expectations and be-
havior of the guests also play an important role in preventing food
waste. For this reason, United Against Waste took a close look at the
opinion of consumers and carried out a representative survey across
Austria.
United Against Waste also supports the “TafelBox”, an initiative of the
charity association “Tafeln Österreich”. This eco-friendly take-away
box offers guests and hosts an opportunity to avoid food waste
UAW is also present with information and discussion events through-
out Austria. Information and awareness is made through the newslet-
ter and Facebook page, which are regularly updated with initiative and
interesting facts about food and food waste.
Waste stream / type /
sectors
Food waste
Target group Public Administration and the gastronomy sector
Legal / political / other
background
The EU Circular Economy Action Plan (reduction of food waste by
30% until 2030);
SDGs n. 12: goal to halve food waste by 2030
Implementing institu-
tions
40 different institutions and organizations ar. e taking part to this initi-
ative, including:
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
57
- Restaurants
- Catering, events
- Hotels
- Hospitals, military settings
- Canteens
- Etc.
The implementing authority is nevertheless the Ministry for Sustaina-
bility and Tourism
Indicators (if applica-
ble)
Two indicators are applied:
- Tons of food wasted;
- Equivalent economic value of wasted food
The target in this voluntary agreement between the Ministry of Envi-
ronment and a number of food producers and retailers is to halve
food waste in trade and consumption by 2030 (voluntary agreement.
Recommendations for
Serbia
Studies were conducted in Austria to estimate the amount of wasted
food with the following results:
- 45,000 tonnes of avoidable food waste in gastronomy sector
- 50,000 tonnes in the hotel and accommodation sector,
- 61,000 tonnes in canteens
- 19,000 in other establishments, such as coffeehouses, etc.
(uncertainty level of plus / minus 10%). Taking into account average
purchase prices, economic losses account for about € 320 million per
year - that is € 8,000 per business activity, without including disposal
costs.
This highlight the high saving potentials, not just in terms of food
waste, but also in terms of economic savings. This could be highly
interesting in Serbia as well.
Due to local culture, size of food portions in the gastronomy are usu-
ally quite big (e.g. about 300 grams of meat per serving size). This is
a sign of abundance and quality of a restaurant. Decrease in portion
sizes might be seen negatively by customers, and hence this measure
might encounter the resistance of the gastronomy sector. For this rea-
son, if such a measure will be implemented in Serbia, it will be im-
portant to stimulate its uptake by showing the right examples, e.g. the
economic savings.
In addition, the culture of “doggy bags” has just recently started to
spread in Serbia, but it is still not very diffused (e.g. it is considered a
kind of shame). More awareness to consumers would be also needed.
3.2.3 Trainings to include waste prevention in permits (Lithuania)
Measure Trainings to include waste prevention in permits
Type of measure Awareness campaign
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
58
Description (rationale
behind)
Integrated pollution prevention and control (hereinafter referred to as
the “IPPC”) is one of the main measures promoting the implementa-
tion of cleaner, low-waste technologies in Lithuania. In accordance
with the requirements of the Rules on the Granting, Updating and Rev-
ocation of Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Permits ap-
proved under Order of the Minister of Environment of the Republic of
Lithuania, the conditions of the IPPC permits should be based on the
best available technique (BAT) and ensure achieving a high level of
environmental protection. When issuing IPPC permits criteria such as
use of low waste technologies, use of less hazardous substances in
the processes, promotion of recycling of waste from the processes are
taken into account.
BAT reference documents and their findings are used by both opera-
tors, depending on the circumstances, by selecting a particular
method of production, and the professionals engaged by setting emis-
sion limit values and other permit conditions.
In 2012, there were 218 undertakings operating in Lithuania and hold-
ing the IPPC permits, which operated the facilities specified in Annex
1 to the IPPC Rules.
In order to improve the qualifications of employees in waste preven-
tion in businesses, farms, agricultural enterprises and controlling au-
thorities National Waste Prevention Programme sets the requirement
to organise training for employees of industrial enterprises, agricul-
tural companies, the Environmental Protection Agency and regional
environmental protection departments and farmers on the potential
and benefit of waste prevention, efficient use of natural resources and
incorporation of these requirements into permits.
Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Agriculture organizes trainings
and informational seminars in order to improve the qualifications of
employees in waste prevention in agricultural enterprises.
Waste stream / type /
sectors
Industry sector / different kinds of industrial waste streams
Target group Industrial enterprises, agricultural companies
Legal / political / other
background
Legal
Rules on the Granting, Updating and Revocation of Integrated Pollu-
tion Prevention and Control Permits (approved by Order No D1-528
of the Minister of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania on 15-07-
2013).
Implementing institu-
tions
Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania,
Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania
Indicators (if applica-
ble)
The number of IPPC permits
Reduced amount of waste (t/year) – currently not applicable in Lithu-
ania
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
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Recommendations for
Serbia
Organize trainings for interested parties.
3.2.4 Prevention of waste production at installations (Austria)
Measure The ÖKOPROFIT programme
Type of measure Advisory programme for industrial and business sector
Description (rationale
behind)
The ÖKOPROFIT programme is an advisory programme implemented
by provinces with support of the Ministry of the Environment to support
SME. The programme, launched in 1991, aims to help companies to
implement environmental measures, thereby reducing industrial emis-
sions, decreasing the operational costs for companies, strengthening
the partnership between public agencies, companies and experts, and
prevent waste.
Waste stream / type /
sectors
Waste generated from industrial and business activities
Target group Industry and business sector
Implementing institu-
tions
Ministry of the Environment
Indicators (if applica-
ble)
Environmental performance:
- Waste generation
Recommendations
for Serbia
The Austrian example showed that the amount of waste produced by
the industrial and business sector has decreased in the past years.
Therefore, support to the business sector has proven to be very im-
portant for waste prevention at this level. This success was neverthe-
less a result of a combination of actions to support the business and
industry sector (see also the EMAS, Eco-Business Plan). In addition,
this support was given to business on the long term (e.g. the past 30
years).
If a similar measure is implemented in Serbia, continuity of the pro-
gramme as well as a long-term vision should be taken into account.
3.2.5 Promotion of cleaner production projects (Lithuania)
Measure Promotion of cleaner production projects
Type of measure Advisory support and grants for industrial sector
Description (rationale
behind)
Cleaner production2 is a preventive, company-specific environmental
protection initiative. By analysing the flow of materials and energy in a
company, one tries to identify options to minimize waste and emis-
sions out of industrial processes through source reduction strategies.
2 Yacooub, Ali; Johannes Fresner (2006). Half is Enough - An Introduction to Cleaner Production. Beirut, Lebanon: LCPC
Press. ISBN 3-9501636-2-X.
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
60
Projects on cleaner production have been implemented in Lithuanian
industry since 1995. According to expert estimations, the quantity of
hazardous waste was reduced by approx. 621 tonnes and the quantity
of non-hazardous waste was cut down by approx. 116 thousand
tonnes during the implementation of projects on cleaner production in
the sectors of the Lithuanian economy between 1993 and 2009.
Investment projects on cleaner production in Lithuania were financed
by the Special Fund of the Nordic Environment Finance Corporation
(NEFCO) which grants preferential loans and other funds.
In 2008, the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Lithuania designed
a financial aid mechanism promoting the implementation of projects
on low-waste technology and cleaner production; however, the provi-
sion of aid for the implementation of these projects was terminated in
2011. In 2010, the Lithuanian Environmental Investment Fund (Lith.
LAAIF) started to provide financial assistance to waste prevention pro-
jects. At the beginning industrial and business enterprises have not
been very active in submitting applications to obtain this assistance,
however it is becoming more and more popular.
National Pollution Prevention Centre (NPPC) established in 1994 at
the Institute of Environmental Engineering (APINI), Kaunas University
of Technology by World Environment Centre (WEC), which provided:
Training and capacity building in CP with support of donor
countries (20 training programmes; 245 CP experts trained in
1994-2009);
Training and capacity building in Environmental Management
Systems (EMS);
CP assessments / in-plant demonstrations / applications for
NEFCO financial support (200 companies in chemical, furni-
ture, electroplating, textile, food industries, etc.);
Education programmes at the university.
Waste stream / type /
sectors
All streams of industrial waste
Target group Industrial companies
Legal / political / other
background
Financing of cleaner production projects in Lithuania:
Lithuanian Environmental Investment Fund (LAAIF) Pro-
gramme (from 2010):
- De minimis grants (up to 200 thous Eur and cannot be
more than 80% of eligible costs) for Cleaner Production pro-
jects.
More information: http://www.laaif.lt/lt/lietuvos-aplinkos-apsaugos-in-
vesticiju-fondo-programa/informacija-apie-gautas-paraiskas-pagal-
laaif-programa-2/.
EU Funds (2014-2020):
- ‘Eco-inovacijos LT+’ programme administrated by Minis-
try of Economy (86,89 million Eur)
- Grants provided to SMEs:
50 – 900 thous Eur
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
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Up to 35 % for medium sized enterprises
Up to 45 % for small enterprises
Implementing institu-
tions
The Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Lithuania
The Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania
Indicators (if applica-
ble)
There are no specific indicators defined in legal acts, but it is calcu-
lated environmental benefits in different environmental areas (in appli-
cable units):
reduction of use of electricity and heat energy;
reduction of chemical and additives;
reduction of use of water, oil, fuel;
reduced impact on the environment (Emissions of green-
house gasses (CO2), wastewater volume and pollution
etc.);
reduction of hazardous waste;
reduction of non-hazardous waste.
Recommendations
for Serbia
Promotion of cleaner production projects and financial assistance for
industrial companies, training and capacity building.
3.2.6 Promotion of packaging eco-design / sustainable business philosophy
(Lithuania)
Measure Conference and award ceremony of competition “PACKAGING
SECTOR LEADERS 2017”
Type of measure Promotion of eco-design / sustainable business philosophy / infor-
mation campaign
Description (rationale
behind)
The largest packaging sector event took place on 9 November 2017
in Vilnius and participants of the event had the opportunity not only
learn new things but also congratulate winners of 2 major packaging
sector competitions.
The conference was dedicated to companies that deal with packaging
at different stages of its life: from design and material selection to fill-
ing, from marketing decisions to waste management. Experts and
practitioners from different business fields had the possibility to share
their insights and understand environmental impact of decision made
at each stage of packaging lifecycle. Participants were encouraged to
look at packaging more widely and more innovative, from perspective
of circular economy.
Four discussion platforms for good practice exchange looked for con-
tact points and mutual understanding between different business
fields in order to minimize negative environmental impact of packag-
ing:
PRE-product LAB (Packaging before product) – modern
packaging materials, construction and design solutions;
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
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Product-IN LAB (Packaged product) – responsible business
philosophy, communication on environmental benefits, rising
of consumer awareness;
POST-Product LAB (Post-product packaging) – modern
packaging waste management solutions and trends, producer
responsibility in practice;
IN-Process LAB (Packaging creation process) – creative
workshop.
The winners of competition PACKAGING SECTOR LEADERS was
divided into 4 categories:
Producers and importers;
Packaging producers;
Municipalities and regional waste management centres;
Waste managers.
Each category had three winners (1st, 2nd and 3rd place). Producers
and importers were awarded for innovative packaging concept and
environmental educational initiative, municipalities and regional waste
management centres for initiatives encouraging society to sort waste,
waste managers – for environmental cooperation projects and inno-
vative business development solutions.
Event attendees had the opportunity to hear interesting announce-
ments, as well as knowledge learned from Lithuanian and foreign re-
porters in 2017 and had been the best packaging sector.
More information can be found in website: http://pto.lt/konferencija-
pakuociu-sektorius-2017/,http://pto.lt/wp-
content/uploads/2017/11/Conference-Packaging-Sector-2017-Pro-
gram.pdf.
Waste stream / type /
sectors
Packaging
Target group All interested parties involved in packaging: producers and importers
of packaging and packaging materials, marketing professionals,
waste managers and all users of packaging.
More than 200 participants in 2017
Legal / political / other
background
EU Packaging Directive 94/62/EC aiming at boosting a more sustain-
able use of packaging
There are no specific provisions on competitions and awards in the
Directive 94/62/EC, but serve as information campaign for society and
interested parties
Implementing institu-
tions
Public organization „Organization of Packaging Management“ (VšĮ
„Pakuočių tvarkymo organizacija“)
Indicators (if applica-
ble)
Not applicable
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
63
Recommendations for
Serbia
Conference and awards could serve as measure encouraging produc-
ers and importers produce more environmentally friendly packaging
as well as include think about innovative business solutions.
Awards create an incentive for packaging sector to become more
competitive.
3.2.7 Helping businesses to establish their own waste prevention plans (Austria)
Measure Eco-Business Plan Vienna
Type of measure Advisory programme for industrial and business sector
Description (rationale
behind)
The Eco-Business Plan Vienna provides and co-finances consultancy
for the production industries. While particularly targeting small indus-
tries, it is also open to bigger industries.
The Eco-Business Plan Vienna consists of eight steps which lead from
application and a first resource efficiency check through the selection
of an in-depth consultation programme, on-site consultation and the
selection of implementation measures, to the monitoring and evalua-
tion of achievements. If the achievements are in line with the objec-
tives of the Eco-Business Plan Vienna, the company receives an
award. The in-depth consultation programme for small enterprises
consists of two workshops and three days of on-site consultation on
waste prevention, waste management, energy saving and climate pro-
tection.
The more extended in-depth consultation programme Ecoprofit con-
sists of eight workshops and five days of on-site consultation focusing
on the optimisation of production processes.
Website: http://www.wien.gv.at/umweltschutz/oekobusiness.
Waste stream / type /
sectors
Waste generated from industrial and business activities
Target group Industry and business sector
Implementing institu-
tions
Ministry of Environment (formerly BMFLWU, currently BMNT)
Indicators (if applica-
ble)
Environmental performance:
-Waste generation
-Energy consumption
Recommendations
for Serbia
This measure and the “Okoprofit “ measure presented above fall under
the same umbrella and have similarities. Nevertheless, these are han-
dled as two different actions in Austria. It might be argued that the
establishment of different measure targeting the same issue (in this
case, prevention of waste from industrial and business activities) gave
the possibility to tackle the problem from a multitude of angles, and it
was somehow on of the “keys of success” for substantially reducing
generated waste.
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
64
3.2.8 Promotion of environmental management systems (Austria)
Measure EMAS and the Circular Economy
Type of measure Promotion of environmental management systems within industry
Description (rationale
behind)
The EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) is a very im-
portant management instrument in Austria in evaluating, reporting on,
and improving companies´ environmental performance. It is also key
instrument to stimulate resource efficiency and circular economy ap-
proaches in Austria.
Companies that have implemented EMAS have already taken an im-
portant first step towards achieving a circular economy by monitoring
their processes and constantly reducing their impact on the environ-
ment. Their knowledge of resource consumption and environmental
impact enables them to implement measures that optimize the use of
their resources in line with circular economy principles, including
waste reduction.
The ecological effectiveness is confirmed by studies of the EAA on the
Austrian EMAS companies. From the analysis of the published envi-
ronmental data of EMAS companies, it can be seen that 95% of the
investigated companies have improved their environmental perfor-
mance; the most significant improvements concern waste and energy.
In Austria currently around 300 companies and organizations with
1.100 sites are registered by EMAS. In total, companies registered in
EMAS employ more than 189.000 people and generate a turnover of
around Euro 33 billion. To sum up EMAS has an important role to play
in helping Austrian’s companies and organizations unlock the potential
of the circular economy and in supporting Austria use its resources
more efficiently.
More information on websites:
http://www.bmlfuw.gv.at/umwelt/betriebl_umwelt-
schutz_uvp/emas.html;
http://www.umweltbundesamt.at/umweltsituation/ums/emas/.
Waste stream / type /
sectors
Waste generated from industrial and business activities
Target group Industry and business sector
Implementing institu-
tions
Support is provided by the Austrian government; companies can apply
to obtain free consultancy
Indicators (if applica-
ble)
Environmental performance:
- Waste generation
- Energy consumption
Recommendations
for Serbia
See recommendations for the measure „Ökoprofit Austria“
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
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3.3 Measures that can affect the consumption and use phase
3.3.1 Consumers awareness campaign on deposit schemes for packaging
(Austria)
Measure "Sag's am Mehrweg" (Let's talk reuse)
Type of measure Awareness campaign
Voluntary agreement with the industrial sector
Description (rationale
behind)
With the awareness initiative "Sag's am Mehrweg", the Ministry of the
Environment offers environmentally aware consumers guidance on
opting for reusable drinks packaging. Publicity campaigns aim to in-
crease awareness of reusable bottles. The work already had a certain
impact, as the proportion of reusable packaging reached a stable
amount. The initiative www.am-mehrweg.at is supported by multiple
partners from the drinks industry and trade.
Waste stream / type /
sectors
Waste packaging, in particular drinking packaging
Target group Private consumers, drinks industry and trade
Legal / political / other
background
Voluntary
Implementing institu-
tions
Voluntary agreement between the Ministry of the Environment and the
the drinks industry and trade
Indicators (if applica-
ble)
Amounts of bottles collected through the deposit scheme (e.g.
amounts of bottles brought back by consumers)
Recommendations
for Serbia
A deposit scheme already exists in Serbia; questions which shall be
answered include:
-how to improve it?
-Will keeping it be enough to achieve waste prevention?
3.3.2 Series of initiatives on food waste (Austria)
Measure “Lebensmittel sind kostbar!” (Food is Precious)
Type of measure Series of measures including:
Information and awareness campaign on food waste
Support to enhance food donation
Promotion of research on food waste
Description (ra-
tionale behind)
The initiative “Lebensmittel sind kostbar!” (Food is Precious) is an initiative
from the BMLFUW, launched to counteract the negative trend in food
waste. An action programme was agreed with the social partners in 2012
to reduce food waste along the entire value chain. By 2016, over 60 or-
ganizations/businesses from all sectors became cooperation partners in
the initiative and committed to improving how food is handled.
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
66
The Food is Precious initiative includes information and awareness cam-
paigns for consumers as well as for co-workers in food processing indus-
tries and services. It supports the expansion of food sharing and identifies
and supports measures for a more efficient production and use of food
along the whole supply chain. This includes improvements to better adapt
supply to demand, to optimize logistics and to make better use of unsold
food. The initiative includes a stakeholder dialogue platform for the ex-
change of experience and for the identification of food waste prevention
solutions along the whole food life cycle. In addition, it serves as a platform
for networking.
Within this initiative, research to identify potential for food waste prevention
is also supported. This comprises studies on the amount of food waste in
municipal waste, on overcoming barriers to food-sharing, on making better
use of food at events, on the prevention of food waste in restaurants and
on food waste prevention potential at the agricultural phase.
A further focus of the Food is Precious initiative lies with the preparation of
educational material for primary and secondary schools, as well as the im-
plementation of information and sensitization campaigns including working
projects for the pupils.
In May 2017 a step forward was taken and the Federal Ministry of Agricul-
ture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management signed the “Agree-
ment 2017- 2030 to prevent food waste in the food trade and food produc-
tion” with a number of food producers and retailers. The target of this vol-
untary agreement is to halve food waste in the production by 2030. Pro-
posed measures include donation of surplus food to social and charity or-
ganizations and pet food producers, education of employees, regular mon-
itoring of wasted and donated food (including data collection on avoidable
VS non-avoidable, edible VS non – edible food waste), and the application
of discounts and price reduction on food reaching the expiring date in the
shops.
In summary, the initiative „Lebensmittel sind kostbar!“ includes:
Stakeholder dialogue on networking between various sectors;
Information and awareness campaigns (diverse publications on
the topic of food waste and food waste prevention);
Organisation of the VIKTUALIA Awards – the first Austrian anti-
food waste prize to bring positive examples and to set role models
through media reporting. The prize has been awarded since 2012.
Supporting the donation of foodstuffs to social institutions and
building "food-sharing", the first online private-sector exchange
platform for food in Austria;
"Restl-Koch" competition, the Austria-wide competition on using
up leftovers;
Drawing and painting competition for primary schools to raise
awareness of the topic among children;
Preparing class materials for primary and secondary schools;
Studies on information bases;
Co-financing the "United Against Waste" project in the catering in-
dustry;
Launching a Facebook page on the theme "food is precious";
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Preparing the theme on the homepage of the Federal Ministry of
Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management with
many concrete tips on avoiding food waste;
Media cooperation to achieve wide-ranging impact.
Website:
https://www.bmlfuw.gv.at/land/lebensmittel/kostbare_lebensmittel/Federal
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management-
sind-kostbar14.html.
Waste stream /
type / sectors
Food waste
Target group Private consumers
Co-workers in food processing industries and services
Schools
Legal / political /
other background
The EU Circular Economy Action Plan (reduction of food waste by 30%
until 2030);
SDGs n. 12: goal to halve food waste by 2030
Implementing in-
stitutions
Ministry of the Environment
Indicators (if ap-
plicable)
Tons of wasted food
Equivalent (prevented) economic losses
Recommenda-
tions for Serbia
This measure is in fact, a series of actions to promote awareness raising
and food donation, including also very easily – implementable actions (e.g.
creation of social media information pages, creation of cook book with left
overs, etc.). Serbia might want to opt for a gradual implementation of such
measures.
3.3.3 Consumers awareness campaign on expiring date of food (Austria)
Measure Das ist doch noch gut –Pfeiffer (This is still good):
Type of measure Awareness campaign
Description (rationale
behind)
This is a campaign for raising awareness on the effective expiring date
of food products. The initiative included education in schools, and the
production of recipes to cook with leftovers
Waste stream / type /
sectors
Food waste
Target group Consumers, pupils in schools
Legal / political / other
background
The EU Circular Economy Action Plan (reduction of food waste by
30% until 2030);
SDGs n. 12: goal to halve food waste by 2030
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
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Implementing institu-
tions
Ministry of Environment (BMNT)
Indicators (if applica-
ble)
Tons of food
Equivalent (prevented) economic losses
Recommendations
for Serbia
This measure might be easily implementable in Serbia, e.g. as part of
food prevention measures bundle. Similar measures are already partly
present in Serbia (e.g. to sell food closed to the expiring date for half
of the price). Awareness to consumers to spread the message “ even
if the food passed its expiring date, it does not necessarily means it is
not good anymore “ should be promoted.
3.3.4 The European Week for Waste Reduction (Lithuania)
Measure The European Week for Waste Reduction
Type of measure Awareness campaign and actions
Description (rationale
behind)
The European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR) is an initiative aim-
ing to promote the implementation of awareness-raising actions about
sustainable resource and waste management during a single week. It
encourages a wide range of audiences (public authorities, private
companies, civil society as well as citizens themselves) to get involved
and participate in different kind of actions.
Lithuania has joined to the internationally organized events for the first
time in 2015 and the actions were carried out mostly on national level.
However, participants had to conform to the requirements set by the
EWWR Secretariat if they wanted to be registered as taking actions at
the EU level.
Usually EWWR actions are taking place at the last week of November.
The participants had to fill registration forms registering the actions
which they want to implement during EWWR. Each year actions are
dedicated to different topic, for example, the thematic focus in 2016
was packaging waste reduction: “Use Less Packaging!” A lot of differ-
ent kind of actions were taken during the week of waste reduction, for
example, watching movies about waste prevention and reuse in kin-
dergartens, making Christmas decorations from different waste (pa-
per, plastics, glass, clothes, exhibitions, fashion shows “The new life
of fashion”. Institute of Environmental Engineering, Kaunas University
of Technology organized the open seminar to educate the society on
clean technology and different conceptions of life. A week-long initia-
tive was organized to encourage drinking coffee from glass cups. At
least 200 disposable cups were prevented. The cafes in the university
had agreed to provide 20 % discount for anyone ordering coffee in
their own cup. And there a lot of nice examples showing that society
is very interesting in waste prevention.
The Thematic Focus for 2017 was about one of the easiest but very
important ways to prevent waste: reuse with a twist of repair! There
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
69
were 149 of participants in Lithuania in 2017 year EWWR (19 of par-
ticipated in European level and 139 – at national level). The Ministry
of Environment awarded the winners of EWWR which were chosen
according to specific criteria such as number of participants, creativity,
number of implemented events etc.
Waste stream / type /
sectors
Mostly waste generated in the households
Target group Society of Lithuania (communities, administrative/governmental insti-
tutions, business organizations, education establishments and NGOs
etc.)
Legal / political / other
background
Internationally organized events
Implementing institu-
tions
Administrative / governmental institutions, business organizations,
universities, schools, kindergartens, communities, day-care centers,
NGOs
Indicators (if applica-
ble)
The number of participants in different categories (Administrative
/governmental institutions, business organizations, universities,
schools, kindergartens, communities, day-care centers, NGOs) \;
The amount of actions in the territory of Lithuania
The amount of participants in the territory of Lithuania
Recommendations
for Serbia
As far as we know Serbia is already participates in EWWR events
(participated in 2015 events) therefore recommendation will be to en-
courage society to participate in EWWR actions together with lots of
countries around the world.
3.3.5 The promotion of eco-labels: the “Austrian Ecolabel” (Umweltzeichen)
(Austria)
Measure The “Austrian Ecolabel” (Umweltzeichen)
Type of measure Promotion of eco-labels
Description (rationale
behind)
The "Austrian Ecolabel" (Umweltzeichen) was created on the initiative
of the Federal Ministry of Environment in 1990. This label provides the
general public with information on the environmental impact of con-
sumer goods that arises from their production, usage and disposal and
attracts the attention of consumers to alternative environmentally
friendly products.
Yet the Ecolabel should also motivate producers and traders to de-
velop and offer less environment-polluting products. In this way a dy-
namic process shall be triggered off on the market, which would influ-
ence the supply structure positively towards more environmentally
friendly goods (competition effect).
Furthermore, the Ecolabel contributes to more transparency in the
evaluation of the environmental impact of products/services. Products
carrying the Ecolabel have to meet a number of criteria (so-called
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
70
guidelines), whose compliances have to be proved by an expert opin-
ion.
Under this umbrella is also the initiative “Green Meeting and Green
Events”, a platform with information and contacts of operators of the
tourism, restoration and event organizers, which match the sustaina-
bility criteria set in a dedicated guideline. These criteria comprise en-
ergy and resource efficiency standards, fair trade and organic labels,
initiative for food waste reduction etc.
Website: https://www.umweltzeichen.at/cms/de/home/content.html.
Waste stream / type /
sectors
Variety of white goods and products (food, cleaning products, textile,
etc.) and services (green events)
Target group Consumers, public procurement
Legal / political / other
background
Regulation (EC) No 66/2010 of the European Parliament and of the
Council of 25 November 2009 on the EU Ecolabel (Text with EEA rel-
evance)
Implementing institu-
tions
Ministry of the Environment (BMNT)
Indicators (if applica-
ble)
n. of available eco-labels on the market
Recommendations
for Serbia
The European Commission is already carrying out an extensive work
on ecolabels, especially to support consumers in their choice (too
many eco-labels generate confusion in consumers; in addition, many
“uncontrolled” eco-labels are often just green claims without any ef-
fective proves of their benefits.
When developing EU Ecolabel criteria for products, the focus is on the
stages where the product has the highest environmental impact, and
this differs from product to product. The EU Ecolabel is a voluntary
scheme, which means that producers, importers and retailers can
choose to apply for the label for their products: http://ec.europa.eu/en-
vironment/ecolabel/.
Serbia might also want to promote the adoption of the EU Ecolabel,
both from the producers and retailers side, but also from the perspec-
tive of consumers, making use of the knowledge which has been al-
ready generated within the EC work on Ecolabels.
3.3.6 Voluntary agreement with business on plastic bags (Austria)
Measure “Goodbye shopping bag” (Pfiat di Sackerl)
Type of measure Voluntary agreement between the Ministry of the Environment and the
retail sector
Description (ra-
tionale behind)
The initiative “Pfiat di Sackerl” (Goodbye shopping bag) of the Ministry
of the Environment, is a voluntary agreement of Austrian big retailers
(Bettenreiter, C&A, Deichmann, Handelsverband, Hofer KG, Lidl Öster-
reich, Media/Saturn, M-Preis, REWE Group, Schäfer Shop GmbH,
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
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SPAR, Sutterlüty Handels GmbH, Tchibo/Eduscho, Unimarkt, Green-
peace and Global 2000) targets consumers behaviour, in order to dras-
tically reduce plastic shopping bags distribution and consumption in the
shops.
The initiative, agreed in 2016, supports the amended EU Packaging
Directive, which aims at reducing plastic shopping bags consumption
to 90 bags/year per capita until 2019. The initiative “Goodbye shopping
bag” aims to go beyond the EU target and sets an own target of maxi-
mum 25 bags/year pro capita by 2019. Beyond plastic bags, the reduc-
tion of shopping bags made from other materials (e.g. paper, fabric) is
also among the objectives.
Major actions include fees for shopping bags, elimination of free-bags
at the counter and sell of textile reusable shopping bags.
In addition, consumer’s informative campaigns will also be imple-
mented.
Finally, a yearly report is foreseen to monitor the progress.
Website:
https://www.bmlfuw.gv.at/greentec/pfiadtdisackerl/pfiatdisackerl3.html.
Waste stream / type /
sectors
Plastic shopping bags
Target group Retail sector; consumers
Legal / political /
other background
Directive (EU) 2015/720 of the European Parliament and of the Coun-
cil of 29 April 2015 amending Directive 94/62/EC as regards reducing
the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags (Text with EEA rel-
evance)
Implementing institu-
tions
Austrian Ministry of the Environment
Indicators (if applica-
ble)
Amount of plastic bags consumed per capita.
Recommendations
for Serbia
The Austrian experience shows that reduction of plastic bags needs a
dual approach: education of consumers on the one hand, and involve-
ment of retailers on the other. Results obtained so far in Austria thanks
to a combination of the two approaches are very promising, being Aus-
tria well beyond the European target already.
Plastic bags consumption in Serbia is high: plastic bags are freely avail-
able at the counters in any shop, and the tendency from consumers is
too use a high number of bags even for a little number of items. Work-
ers at the counter are often encouraging customers to pick a plastic
bag for their purchases.
Oxo- plastic bags are also very common, with the false promise of be-
ing a sustainable alternative to plastic (as it was recently stated in the
EU legislative proposal on plastic single- use items), and therefore con-
fusing consumers even more on sustainable packaging
Plastic bags are very often littered as it is visible in the streets.
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
72
Serbia should opt for a combination of measure to decrease the num-
ber of plastic bags per capita, such as:
- Ban for freely distributed plastic bags at the counter (this being
a very effective one, as the Austrian and other countries´ ex-
perience shows)
- Promotion of use of reusable shoppers
- Education to consumers for reducing their number of plastic
bags used Education to worker not to distribute plastic bags /
encouraging customers to use plastic bags
- Introduction of a fee for plastic bags and light weight carriers
bags for grocery.
3.3.7 Campaign to reduce the amount of lightweight carrier bags (Lithuania)
Measure Campaign to reduce the amount of lightweight carrier bags
Type of measure Voluntary agreement between the Ministry of the Environment and the
retail sector
Description (rationale
behind)
In order to reduce the amount of lightweight plastic carrier bags gen-
erated in Lithuania the Ministry of Environment organized meetings
inviting representatives from different retail companies in Lithuania.
During these meetings was agreed to create video and audio adver-
tising and broadcast them in the supermarkets. It was agreed between
the Ministry of Environment and Lithuanian Trade Companies Associ-
ation and video and audio advertising was broadcasted free of charge.
Video and audio advertising was created using the funds of Waste
management programme.
Waste stream / type /
sectors
Lightweight plastic carrier bags (plastic shopping bags)
Target group Retail sector, consumers
Legal / political / other
background
Directive (EU) 2015/720 of the European Parliament and of the Coun-
cil of 29 April 2015 amending Directive 94/62/EC as regards reducing
the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags
Implementing institu-
tions
The Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania
Indicators (if applica-
ble)
Number of plastic bags consumed per capita (there is no mandatory
requirement to provide data on consumed plastic bags in retail sector,
but retail companies are providing that information under request of
the Ministry of Environment)
Recommendations
for Serbia
Above described example which is applicable in Lithuania could be a
nice start for reducing the lightweight plastic carrier bags in Serbia.
3.3.8 Green public procurement promotion plan (Lithuania)
Measure Green procurement promotion plan
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
73
Type of measure Regulatory measure
Description (rationale
behind)
The main purpose of green public procurement is to encourage public
authorities to purchase goods, services, and works with a lower impact
on environment.
In the Law on Public Procurement are defined contracting authorities
that are carrying goods, services and work public purchases, for which
environmental criteria must apply. According to the National Pro-
gramme on Green Procurement Implementation, in the Law of Public
Procurement are defined contracting authorities, which are carrying
goods, services and work public purchases for which an environmen-
tal criterion must be applied, the following criteria apply for calculating
the number and value of procurements: at least 40 % of such pur-
chases in 2016; at least 45 % in 2017; no less than 45 % in 2018; at
least 50 % in 2019; and at least 50 % in 2020. This applies except in
some cases when there are no goods in the market, no services pro-
vided or works are not to be performed, which are corresponding to
green procurement established environment protection criteria, and in
those cases where the application of the exceptions is provided for in
the laws of the Republic of Lithuania, the Government of the Republic
of Lithuania and in other legal acts.
The lists of products for which environmental criteria should be in-
cluded into public procurement procedures are set in the List of Prod-
ucts for which Environmental Criteria should be included into Public
Procurement Procedures and the Environmental Criteria Applicable
by Contracting Authorities in the Procurement of Goods, Services or
Works. The list of different kind of products, works and services such
as office supplies, paper used for writing, printing and copying, clean-
ing products and services, textile products, goods for maintenance of
vehicles and related services etc.
Waste stream / type /
sectors
Different waste streams / public sector
Target group Public authorities
Legal / political / other
background
Legal
The Law on Public Procurement No I-1491 adopted by the Parliament
on 13-08-1996
The National Programme on Green Procurement Implementation ap-
proved by Resolution No 125 of the Government on 10/02/2016
The List of Products for which Environmental Criteria should be in-
cluded into Public Procurement Procedures and the Environmental
Criteria Applicable by Contracting Authorities in the Procurement of
Goods, Services or Works approved by Order No D1-508 of the Min-
ister of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania on 28/07/2011
Implementing institu-
tions
The Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
74
Indicators (if applica-
ble)
Total green procurement and procurement % GDP
Recommendations
for Serbia
Above described example which is applicable in Lithuania could be a
nice start and serve as waste prevention measure.
3.3.9 Green Public Procurement (Austria)
Measure Green Public Procurement
Type of measure Promotion of goods repair and reuse practices
Description (rationale
behind)
Austria implemented a National Strategy on Green Public Procure-
ment already in 2010, by setting a dedicated programme and estab-
lishing a set of criteria for the public purchase of goods and services.
This plan includes public purchasing criteria on the use of recycled
materials in building construction, recycled paper, ecologically pro-
duced products, and the use of energy. The principles of “reduce, re-
use, recycle” are also central pieces of the strategy on GPP.
The Ministry offers support to procurers through a platform, where best
practices, exchange of information, guidelines on criteria on how to
prepare tenders and to select offers according to environmental crite-
ria, organization of events and workshops, etc. are offered for free.
Further steps are already foreseen, e.g. the Ministry of Environment
recently started an online inquiry for experts on Circular Economy and
GPP (results will be soon available).
A dedicated website collects relevant information:
http://www.nachhaltigebeschaffung.at
Waste stream / type /
sectors
Several
Target group Public procurers
Legal / political / other
background
EU legislation: “Public procurement for a better environment” (COM
(2008) 400”
Implementing institu-
tions
Ministry of the Environment (currently BMNT)
Indicators (if applica-
ble)
Total green procurement and procurement % GDP
Recommendations
for Serbia
Public Procurement usually represents a high share of the GDP of a
country (in the EU it accounts for about 14% of the total GDP). Most
of the EU Ms already adopted strategies on GPP. The EU also devel-
oped a list of environmental criteria for GPP on a variety of products
and services as guidance.
Hence, the contribute to the environment through GPP has a high po-
tential; in addition, the uptake of similar strategy in Serbia could make
use of the large pool of knowledge already generated by the EU and
other countries.
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75
3.3.10 Promotion of reuse and repair networks (Austria)
Measure Repa- Net and repairing initiatives
Type of measure Promotion of goods repair and reuse practices
Description (rationale
behind)
RepaNet is a non-profit organization aiming at connecting civil society
organizations, private repair service providers, public and private
waste management organizations and other interested businesses
and organizations on a regional and interregional basis, to significantly
increase the reuse and repair of products, emphasizing EEE. A further
aim is to influence policy-makers to change the legal and economic
framework in favor of prolonged product use. RepaNet is particularly
involved in projects, political and professional discourses that promote
the prolongation of product use, especially through re-use, second-
hand goods, repair services, exchange, lending, community use, prod-
uct services and use of durable, repairable products as an alternative
to disposable products. In particular, the focus is on creating jobs for
socially disadvantaged people with difficulties to be placed in the labor
market, and on providing socially vulnerable people with affordable,
long-lasting quality products.
Website: www.repanet.at.
In addition, repairing initiative exist. Repairing initiatives for electronic appliances. Several repairing initiatives (Repaircaffés, Repairing Net-works, etc.) for old electronic appliances are available for the Austrian citizens. These initiatives are initiated at the local level by municipali-ties and local / citizen organizations, etc., which cooperate on a volun-tary base to provide the know-how on the repairing of electro appli-ances.
Waste stream / type /
sectors
Consumer goods, textile, WEEE, white goods
Target group Consumers
Legal / political / other
background
None
Implementing institu-
tions
Network/ association of repair shops
Indicators (if applica-
ble)
Revenue from repair and reuse shops
Amount of repaired goods (not implemented in Austria)
Recommendations
for Serbia
The driver to repair goods is basically economic, namely if there is the
convenience to fix a broken or old good instead of buying a new one.
In Serbia, repair of goods was much more common in previous years;
since cheap goods enter the market, repairing started to become eco-
nomically inconvenient, especially concerning low- quality products.
Repair shops still exist (e.g. for shoes, leather, electronics), but they
are not organized in any network. Elderly people are also generally
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
76
more willing to repair products than the younger generations. Aware-
ness campaign on repair might be a viable measure, as well as eco-
nomic incentives (e.g. reduced VAT on products repair) as in Sweden.
3.3.11 Tax deduction and lowered VAT on repair (Sweden)
Measure Tax deduction and lowered VAT on repairment
Type of measure Tax deduction on repairment
Description (rationale
behind)
The Swedish government decided to implement two measures to stim-
ulate repairment on the first of January 2017. The first measure is a
tax deduction by 50% on repairment of white goods installed at home.
The second one is a lowered VAT from 25% to 12% on repairment of
bikes, shoes, leather products, clothes and home textiles.
The measure has not been evaluated yet but is expected to result in
environmental benefits and a small effect on employment. According
to the report Miljöpåverkan från avfall made by IVL Swedish Environ-
mental Research Institute in 2010, the environmental load of textiles
and electronics are high per kilo produced product, compared to other
waste types.
Waste stream / type /
sectors
Electronics, textiles, shoes, leather products and bikes.
Target group Households.
Implementing institu-
tions
The Swedish Tax Agency.
Indicators (if applica-
ble)
No indicators are developed except the benchmarks not started yet,
ongoing and completed. This measure is classified as ongoing.
Recommendations
for Serbia
The measure has not been evaluated yet.
3.3.12 Reserve land in city planning for reuse operations (Sweden)
Measure Reserve land in city planning for reuse operations
Type of measure Combined reuse and recycling parks established by municipalities.
Description (rationale
behind)
In Sweden recycling facilities have been established in all cities were
households may leave household waste for recycling and other kinds
of waste treatment. In some cities the recycling facilities have been
extended to also become reuse centres. At some places shops have
also been established that make use of the waste turned in for recy-
cling and they prepare it for further reuse or remake it into art or other
products that may be bought by the visitors.
At Kretsloppsparken Alelyckan in Gothenburg for instance, you may
buy second hand furniture, building material, clothes and other things.
Another site is Retuna in Eskilstuna, where things that are left to the
recycling park are refurbished and sometimes painted or refurbished
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
77
into new, artistic products before they are sold in one of the 12 shops
in the reuse galleria. It is also possible to buy reused building material.
It has been calculated that if all the about 600 recycling centers in
Sweden were reconstructed into combined recycling and reuse parks,
an amount of approximately 80 000 tons of waste could be prevented
yearly. This is comparable to about 5% of all the household waste in-
cluding household bulky waste left at these recycling centers today.
Waste stream / type /
sectors
Household waste.
Target group Households, consumers.
Implementing institu-
tions
Municipalities.
Indicators (if applica-
ble)
Local indicators of household waste and household bulky waste are
available.
Recommendations
for Serbia
In Sweden it has become a common and almost “hype” thing to buy
second hand goods. The big websites Blocket and Tradera are widely
used by swedes for selling and buying private goods. The reuse parks
serve as a complement, where residents easily may buy something
turned in for reuse or things that have been repurposed into something
new and unique. Maybe Serbia can start working with young influenc-
ers and work the way towards presenting reused things as something
attractive and unique.
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78
4 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DRAFTING OF THE SERBIAN WPP
Based on the assessment of the national WPPs conducted in this report, the following recom-
mendations were formulated to support the preparation of the Serbian WPP.
Area of focus Recommendations
Coverage According to the experiences in the countries where WPPs have been an-
alysed, a good practice consists of including the National Waste Preven-
tion Programme into the National Waste Management Plan, as also pre-
scribed in the Serbian waste legislation. This will ensure that the two doc-
uments will be synchronized in a better way. The document might be titled
“National Waste Prevention and Management Plan”, to stress the dual ob-
jective of the strategic document.
In a second step, regional and / or municipal Waste Prevention Pro-
grammes might be also developed, especially to tailor measures and ac-
tions to local.
Duration /
Evaluation
and monitor-
ing of the pro-
gramme
The new Waste Prevention Programme for Serbia shall be revised on a
regular basis, as it is common practices in the countries where WPPs have
been analysed.
In any case, the Serbian law on Waste Management, §11A, mandatorily
prescribed that the Serbian Waste Prevention Plan shall be adopted for a
period of six years and shall be assessed every three years if necessary.
The experts would suggest a time frame of three years might be too short
if by “assessment” a full assessment of the measures and achievement is
meant.
If an assessment has to be performed, a sort of “partial assessment” might
be carried out, e.g. by checking if the planned measures have been imple-
mented in due time by the responsible institutions.
A full, comprehensive assessment which includes e.g. assessment of the
effectiveness of the program and stakeholders’ consultation, the assess-
ment should be performed whenever the new programme is drafted, e.g.
every six years.
Future assessment of the Waste Prevention Plan in Serbia shall be con-
ducted in a way to be able to:
To assess the effectiveness of the implemented measures
To reconfirm successful measures in the new Programme
To exclude those measures which proved to be less or not effec-
tive
To propose new measures.
Involvement of
stakeholders
Stakeholder consultation showed to be very important for the preparation
of the WPP as well as for future evaluation. The stakeholder consultation
ensures that measures to be implemented by federal, regional and local
government, NGOs, industries and commercial organisations are dis-
cussed and accepted among representatives of these stakeholders.
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
79
Stakeholders´ involvement in the preparation of the programme shall also
give enough leeway for the stakeholders to participate in the implementa-
tion of the measures according to their possibilities and modify the
measures according to the actual needs. Therefore, during the develop-
ment of WPP of Serbia institutions responsible for current waste preven-
tion measures have to be involved.
Waste preven-
tion objectives
of the pro-
gramme
The aim of the objectives shall be to break the link between the economic
growth and environmental impact associated with the generation of waste
(“absolute decoupling”).
In order to formulate the objectives of the project, it would be good to in-
volve stakeholders in order to select and prioritize the sectors and waste
streams the Serbian WPP shall focus on.
The means
used to break
the link be-
tween eco-
nomic growth
and the envi-
ronmental im-
pacts associ-
ated with the
generation of
waste
Priority areas for the development of waste reduction measures shall be
identified, targeting in particular:
Activities which generate large amounts of waste (for instance
C&D waste, which in the EU represents the major source of waste)
Activities which cause major economic loss (as food waste)
Activities which generate waste that is costly and inefficient to
manage (as residual MSW)
Activities which generate waste which is hazardous for the envi-
ronment, contain hazardous substances, (as waste generated by
certain industrial activities, etc.)
The combination of different measures targeting the same waste stream
will enhance the possibility to maximize the effectiveness of the measures
(e.g. for food waste, different measures should target the whole value
chain: production side, the retailers, the preparation of food in catering
sector, the households, the raising of awareness, food donations, etc.).
Priority sec-
tors and waste
streams to be
covered
Serbia shall identify priority sector and waste types, keeping in mind that
the same waste stream might be produced by different sectors, and that
the proposed measures shall take this into account (e.g. the prevention of
food waste produced by households will require different measures than
the prevention of food waste by retailers).
The priority waste streams for WPP for Serbia should be identified accord-
ing to the analysis of the generation of waste taking into account the big-
gest amounts of waste, the most important industry sectors, imported
products, negative impacts to the environment / human health or other
factors.
Another approach might consist of focussing on a limited amount of waste
streams and sectors, especially in the beginning, in order not to scatter
and disperse limited resources on too many areas
The experience in the EU MS shows that it is good to have a mix of sectors
and waste streams to be covered in the WPP.
Building on the experiences in the respective countries and on the assess-
ment of the waste situation in Serbia, the experts would recommend to
cover at least the following sectors and waste flows in the Serbian WPP:
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
80
Hazardous waste, because: 1) it has the highest environmental
impact, and 2) the long-term experience of Serbia in the field
Sectors: manufacturing, C&D, households
Plastic waste with a focus on plastic bags, because: 1) it has
high potential for waste prevention 2) it is high on EU political
agenda, and 3) it causes major environmental hazards
Sectors: households, retailers
Food waste, because it 1) has high potential for waste prevention,
2) is high on international political agenda (UN Sustainable Devel-
opment Goals (SDGs)), 3) causes huge economic losses
Sectors: agriculture, manufacturing, catering, retailers, households,
public services
Packaging waste, because: 1) it has high potential for waste pre-
vention, and 2) it is high on EU political agenda (especially plastic
bags)
Sectors: households, retailers, manufacturing, etc.
Household goods/appliances for reuse/repair (textile, EEE,
furniture etc.), because: 1) it has high potential for waste preven-
tion, 2) the long-term experience in the field, 3) it causes huge
economic losses, and 4) it is costly to manage
Sectors: households, commercial sector
Industrial waste because: 1) it has high potential for waste pre-
vention, 2) it causes huge economic losses, 3) it can cause major
environmental problems, and 4) the long-term experience in the
field (e.g. in implementing cleaner production and resource effi-
ciency projects)
Quantitative
targets
Targets are a good benchmark to check the effectiveness of waste pre-
vention measures, and to give a meaning to the achieved results. Never-
theless, quality data are needed.
Targets can be quantitative if their calculation is feasible (e.g. n. of plastic
bags per capita per year), or qualitative in case the calculation is not fea-
sible or completely meaningful (e.g. in the case of hazardous substances
in products).
The EU experience showed that targets were included in many MS WPPs
in later stages. Therefore, the WPP for Serbia might want to focus on the
measures and include non-binding, indicative targets in its first draft, for
instance by prioritizing and choosing just a few waste flows. It is also im-
portant that proposed targets are realistic and achievable compared to the
current waste generation situation.
Waste preven-
tion measures
and target
groups
The development of the WPP for Serbia should start, at least at the very
beginning, with the proposal of basic measures, avoiding too ambitious
plans which might difficult to be implemented.
Assessment and analysis of WPPs in Europe
81
The selection of measures in the Serbian WPP should keep the following
aspects into account:
Planning actions, their funding and funding sources at the earliest
stage of planning;
Involving different institutions and stakeholders responsible for
waste prevention issues such as green public procurement,
cleaner production, eco-labelling, eco-design, education etc.;
Planning waste prevention measures for different sectors (house-
holds, public and private institutions, industry, society). The focus
should be on selected priority waste streams;
Including deadlines, until when waste prevention measures
should be implemented;
Identifying the main target groups addressed by the measures.
Existing WPP from the MS, as those analysed within this report, shall be
consulted as source for input.
Indicators pro-
posed
Indicators can show the effectiveness of waste prevention measures which
are implemented during the specific time period, although these effects will
be visible just some years after the implementation of the measure.
Nonetheless, a baseline for the calculation of the indicators is required, as
well as in-advance planning for organizing the recording and collection of
the required data.
Core indicators in EU Member States´ WPP aim mostly at quantifying gen-
erated waste and might be a good starting point for Serbia.
The suggestion is to define a few or more core indicators (primarily focus-
ing on priority waste streams and/or sectors), which later can be ex-
panded.