Municipal waste accounts for a smaller portion of the total waste generated in comparison to construction waste. The ability to recover it, such as through recycling or composting, serves as a readily available indicator of the overall waste management approach.
In theory, this can provide evidence of the conservation of natural resources and the reduction of indirect CO2 emissions (as discussed in the Energy chapter), but its straightforward application is hindered by uncertainties surrounding the efficiency and effectiveness of individual processes.
Prague's current ranking is average when compared to reference metropolises. However, it reports a positive long-term trend, with only Barcelona and Copenhagen surpassing it in this regard. Nevertheless, with the exception of Copenhagen, such trends are generally subtle. The dramatic shifts in values observed in Vienna and Warsaw require closer examination.
Chart: Waste material recovery (%)
Year: 2011–2021
Area: NUTS 3
*Source: Eurostat
Data are for 2011 (Warsaw 2010), 2020