Waste generation and treatment (env_wasgt)

National Reference Metadata in Single Integrated Metadata Structure (SIMS)

Compiling agency: Statistics Belgium


Eurostat metadata
Reference metadata
1. Contact
2. Metadata update
3. Statistical presentation
4. Unit of measure
5. Reference Period
6. Institutional Mandate
7. Confidentiality
8. Release policy
9. Frequency of dissemination
10. Accessibility and clarity
11. Quality management
12. Relevance
13. Accuracy
14. Timeliness and punctuality
15. Coherence and comparability
16. Cost and Burden
17. Data revision
18. Statistical processing
19. Comment
Related Metadata
Annexes (including footnotes)



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1. Contact Top
1.1. Contact organisation

Statistics Belgium
1.2. Contact organisation unit

Thematic Direction Territory
1.5. Contact mail address

Koning Albert II Laan 16, 1000 Brussels, Belgium


2. Metadata update Top
2.1. Metadata last certified

7 August 2024
2.2. Metadata last posted

7 August 2024
2.3. Metadata last update

7 August 2024


3. Statistical presentation Top
3.1. Data description

Data are partly based on surveys, administrative data and estimations.
3.1.1. Description of the parties involved in the data collection

Table : Institutions involved in the collection of data and distribution of tasks

Name of institution Description of key responsibilities
 OVAM  Data for flemish region
 Environment Brussels  Partly data for the Brussels region
SPW Wallonie Partly data for the Walloon region
 Statistics Belgium  Responsable for the whole process + data missing for the brussels and walloon region
3.1.2. Description of methods determining waste generation

Data set 1: waste generation by waste category (EWC-Stat) and economic activities (NACE)

 

General description of methodology

 

Waste item Source
1 2 3 4 5 _..._ 16 17 18 19
1          see annexe: annexe: Compilation belgian data                                                            
2
3
_..._
49
50
51

 

The sources are the businesses (18 NACE groupings) and households which generate waste. The waste types are the 51 waste categories for which data is required under the Waste Statistics Regulation.



Annexes:
Compilation belgian data
3.1.3. Estimation of waste generation in the economy on the basis of a sample survey

Determination of waste generation by (sample) survey

 

Description of the sample survey Item 1

(NACE A)

 Item 2

(NACE B)

 … Item 18

(NACE 46.77)

 Total
1 2 … n 1 2 … n … 1 2 … n
1 Number of statistical units per stratum and item in accordance with the available register(s) not applicable
2 Number of statistical units selected for a sample survey and questionnaires sent out
3 Number of non-respoinses (no replies provided; replies are unusable; units are not identifiable)
4 Part of 3: Quantity of data registered incorrectly (statistical units which do not exist, statistical units which cannot be identified)
5 Number of units (statistical units) used to calculate totals
6 Factor for weighting
3.1.4. Estimation of waste generation in the economy on the basis of information on waste treatment
  Description of the method
1 Scope of indirect determination (waste types and economic sectors covered)  not applicable
2 Number of waste treatment facilities selected by items: INC R1 INC D10 RECYC BACK DISPO I DISPO II
 not applicable  not applicable  not applicable  not applicable  not applicable  not applicable
3 Method(s) applied for differentiation by waste sources:  not applicable
4 Restriction of the applied methods:  not applicable
4.1 Waste streams not covered:  not applicable
4.2 Problems of source attachment:  not applicable
4.3 Other problems:  not applicable

 

This table shows the proportion of waste generation covered by indirect calculation on the basis of waste treatment and how the method is applied.

Row 1 indicates what proportion of waste generation is covered by information concerning waste treatment. This can be done by referring to selected parts of the economy or to selected waste streams. This should be consistent with the table in the concept 3.1.2.

Row 2 identifies the number of waste treatment facilities included in the calculation. The numbers are expected to be equal to the number of facilities in the table in the concept 3.1.8 . Any differences should be explained.

Rows 3 to 4.3 provide a more detailed description of the methods applied. Does the original data set contain quantities of waste classified by the List of waste, by the European waste Classification for Statistics (EWC-Stat) or by a national classification? On what basis is waste which has been treated transformed into waste which has been generated? How are non-specific wastes distributed across sources and how are imported wastes excluded?
3.1.5. Description of the estimation of waste generation in the economy on the basis of administrative sources

Estimation of waste generation in the economy on the basis of models or other methods 

Description of the models
1 Scope of the model (waste types and economic sectors covered) not applicable
2 Basic data for the estimations (production figures etc.) not applicable
3 Description of the model and the factors applied not applicable
4 Routines applied or foreseen to guarantee sufficient quality (periodical revision of factors, focused surveys for verification etc.) not applicable
Description of the information sources
5 Scope for the OTHER information sources (waste types and economic sectors covered) not applicable
6 Description of the other information source which is not fitting to the type of information sources mentioned above not applicable

 

This table is similar to the table in the concept 3.1.4 in that it shows the proportion of waste generation covered by other methods and how these methods are applied. Within this table, a distinction is made between methods based on modelling and other methods.
3.1.6. Determination methods for waste generated by households
1 Indirect determination via waste collection
1.1 Description of reporting unit applied (waste collections, municipalities)  municipalities
1.2 Description of the reporting system (regular survey on waste collection, utilisation of administrative sources)  administrative sources
1.3 Waste types covered  
1.4 Survey characteristics (1.4a – 1.4d)  No survey, exhaustive administrative data
  a)      Total no. of collectors / municipalities (population size)  No survey, exhaustive administrative data
b)      No of collectors / municipalities selected for survey  No survey, exhaustive administrative data
c)       No of responses used for the calculation of the totals  No survey, exhaustive administrative data
d)      Factor for weighting  No survey, exhaustive administrative data
1.5 Method applied for the differentiation between the sources household and commercial activities  No survey, exhaustive administrative data
1.6 Percentage of waste from commercial activities by waste types  No survey, exhaustive administrative data
2 Indirect determination via waste treatment
2.1 Specification of waste treatment facilities selected   No survey, exhaustive administrative data
2.2 Waste types covered   No survey, exhaustive administrative data
2.3 Method applied for the differentiation between the sources household and commercial activities   No survey, exhaustive administrative data
2.4 Percentage of waste from commercial activities by waste types   No survey, exhaustive administrative data

 

This table focuses on the methods applied in order to estimate the amount of waste generated by households. The various methods are identified in different parts of the table. An important distinction is made between waste generated by households, on the one hand, and waste generated by businesses, i.e. ‘commercial contamination’, on the other.
3.1.7. Description of data sources and methods by treatment category

Determination of treated waste quantities 

Item 1
Incineration (R1)		  Reporting from waste treatment facilities
Item 2
Incineration (D10)		   Reporting from waste treatment facilities
Item 3a
Recycling (R2 – R11)		   Reporting from waste treatment facilities
Item 3b
Backfilling		   Reporting from waste treatment facilities
Item 4
Landfilling (D1, D5, D12)		   Reporting from waste treatment facilities
Item 5
Other disposal (D2,D3,D4, D6,D7)		   Reporting from waste treatment facilities
3.1.8. Coverage of waste treatment facilities and criteria for exclusion
  No of facilities included No of facilities excluded Reasons for exclusion of facilities and other comments
Item 1
Incineration (R1)		  224  0  no inclusion
Item 2
Incineration (D10)		  44  0  no inclusion
Item 3a
Recycling (R2 – R11)		  864  0  no inclusion
Item 3b
Backfilling		  311  0  no inclusion
Item 4
Landfilling (D1, D5, D12)		  37  0  no inclusion
Item 5
Other disposal (D2,D3,D4, D6,D7)		  0  0  no inclusion

 

This table identifies the number of waste treatment facilities, which are included in or excluded from the compilation of data. There can be several reasons for excluding waste treatment operations: because they treat only internal waste, because they are pre-treatment facilities or because the capacity is below a nationally defined threshold, etc.
3.1.9. Registers used for identification of treatment operations
Identification of register(s) used (name; responsible institution) Description of register(s) (coverage: frequency and procedure of updating, etc.)
 Registers with environment permits for waste treatment or waste storage have been used to determine who has to report. They can be used for the validation of the reported data and the treatment operations reported.  Legal environmental obligations in Belgium | Bebat

This table gives details of the registers used to gather information on waste treatment. 
3.2. Classification system

EWC-STAT4 for type of waste, NACE rev 2 for the economical sectors.
3.2.1. Description of classification used
  Name of classifications used Description of the classification(s)
Economic activities  NACE REV 2  Classifications - Metadata - Eurostat
Waste types  EWC STAT 4  Classifications - Metadata - Eurostat
Recovery and treatment operations  Based on the Waste Framework Directive Waste Framework Directive - European Commission
3.3. Coverage - sector

All economical sectors + households.
3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions

We used the concepts and definitions as demanded in the manual.
3.5. Statistical unit

Households and local units.
3.6. Statistical population

The population includes all economical activities + households.
3.7. Reference area

Belgium.
3.8. Coverage - Time

One year.
3.9. Base period

2022.


4. Unit of measure Top

Tonnes.


5. Reference Period Top

2022.


6. Institutional Mandate Top
6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements

Waste Statistics Regulation.
6.2. Institutional Mandate - data sharing

not applicable


7. Confidentiality Top
7.1. Confidentiality - policy

Before data are published they pass another validation procedure. Data are published on a whole, but also aggregated in larger groups of waste types and NACEs. When in certain NACES the number of companies is too low they should be left out because of confidentiality.
7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment

Before data are published they pass another validation procedure. Data are published on a whole, but also aggregated in larger groups of waste types and NACEs. When in certain NACES the number of companies is too low they should be left out because of confidentiality.


8. Release policy Top
8.1. Release calendar

Release is typically two months after the Eurostat deadline.
8.2. Release calendar access

not applicable
8.3. Release policy - user access

All data are available for the public.


9. Frequency of dissemination Top

Every two years.


10. Accessibility and clarity Top
10.1. Dissemination format - News release

Data are published approximately three months after they were send to Eurostat.
10.2. Dissemination format - Publications

Data are published on our website (Statbel).
10.3. Dissemination format - online database

Data are available on our website (Statbel).
10.3.1. Data tables - consultations

+/- 20.000 pageviews per year for all waste related data.
10.4. Dissemination format - microdata access

Micro data are available after the demand passes authorisation
10.5. Dissemination format - other

Not applicable.
10.5.1. Metadata - consultations

Not applicable.
10.6. Documentation on methodology

Some information methodology is available on the website.
10.6.1. Metadata completeness - rate

Close to 100%.
10.7. Quality management - documentation

Documents are available after request.


11. Quality management Top
11.1. Quality assurance

Through the whole process the highest possible quality is the aim.
11.2. Quality management - assessment

Through the whole process the highest possible quality is the aim.


12. Relevance Top
12.1. Relevance - User Needs

We think we fulfill the user needs.
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction

Users seem te be satisfied by our waste statistics, although a higher quality must be the aim.
12.3. Completeness

Data are complete.
12.3.1. Data completeness - rate

100%.
12.3.2. Description of missing data in the waste generation dataset
Description of missing data in data set 1 on waste generation
(waste category, economic activity, ..)		 Explanation How to overcome the deficit
not applicable   
12.3.3. Description of missing data in datasets on treated waste and quantities and capacities of facilities

not applicable


13. Accuracy Top
13.1. Accuracy - overall

Not applicable.
13.2. Sampling error

Not applicable.
13.2.1. Sampling error - indicators

See the table Total and coefficients of variation for the key aggregates in the annex.

Not applicable.
13.3. Non-sampling error

Not applicable.
13.3.1. Coverage error

None.
13.3.1.1. Over-coverage - rate

None.
13.3.1.2. Common units - proportion

Not applicable.
13.3.1.3. Comparison of the number of units in the Register of Business and the number of units included in the calculation of the amount of waste generated
NACE  A B C10-C12 C13-C15 C16 C17_C18 C19 C23 C24_C25 C26-C30 C31-C33 D E36_E37_E39 E38 F G-U_X_G4677 G4677 TOTAL excluding HH
number of units in the Business Register  12670  606  5677 2708   2457  5051  2561  1492  7040 4157   7426  691  731  1376  no survey   no survey   no survey  
number of units included in the calculation of the amount of waste generated*  392 30   233  29  51  53  132  92 219 140   112 46   67  55  no survey  no survey  no survey  

These are the figures for our survey in the walloon and brussels region. In the Flanders region they use since 2022 a new waste registration system, mandatory for all businesses.
13.3.1.4. Coverage of waste statistics with regard to extractive waste
Coverage Topsoil Overburden Waste-rock Tailings (non-haz.)
Completely covered  not applicable  not applicable  not applicable  not applicable
Partially covered  not applicable  not applicable  not applicable  not applicable
Generally excluded  not applicable  not applicable  not applicable  not applicable
13.3.1.5. Description of issues related to the allocation of mining waste to NACE section B or C

not applicable
13.3.1.6. Coverage of waste treatment facilities and criteria for exclusion

See table in the concept 3.1.8.
13.3.2. Measurement error

When there's suspicion that measurement errors are made, data are evaluated again.
13.3.3. Non response error

Not applicable.
13.3.3.1. Unit non-response - rate

Not applicable.
13.3.3.2. Item non-response - rate

Not applicable.
13.3.4. Processing error

When there's suspicion that processing errors are made, data are evaluated again.
13.3.5. Model assumption error

Not applicable.


14. Timeliness and punctuality Top
14.1. Timeliness

t+18 months.
14.1.1. Time lag - first result

Time schedule of the whole process:

  • Development of sampling strategy:         
  • Development and testing of questionnaires:         
  • Selection of enterprises and sending out of questionnaires:         
  • Data processing (editing and imputation):              
  • Data analysis and validation:      
  • Key publication activities:             
  • 18 months
14.1.2. Time lag - final result

Updates or corrections are always possible.
14.2. Punctuality

Delivery was made on time.
14.2.1. Punctuality - delivery and publication

Delivery was on time, publication will occur in September.


15. Coherence and comparability Top
15.1. Comparability - geographical

Concepts and definitions are same for the three geographical units (regions).
15.1.1. Asymmetry for mirror flow statistics - coefficient

Not applicable.
15.2. Comparability - over time

We aim to use the same sources and methodologies for every reporting.
15.2.1. Length of comparable time series

Time series are available from 2004 on.
15.3. Coherence - cross domain

Coherence could be enhanced when data from other reportings will be used.
15.3.1. Coherence - sub annual and annual statistics

Everything is coherent.

 
15.3.2. Coherence - National Accounts

not applicable
15.4. Coherence - internal

Everything is coherent.


16. Cost and Burden Top

It takes approximately one hour for respondents to answer the survey, no additional costs are made.
16.1. Burden on respondents
Survey / Source Type and total number of respondents Actual no. of respondents Time required for response Measures taken to minimise the burden
Survey on waste production in the manufacturing sector in the walloon and brussels region region    1260 46,9 minutes on average prefill of waste categories per NACE, respondents can also send their invoices from waste collectors so we can fill out the survey for them (high quality data)
Survey on waste production in the agricultural sector in the walloon and brussels region region    392 51,4 minutes on average prefill of waste categories


17. Data revision Top
17.1. Data revision - policy

Data are revised when there are updates or errors found.
17.2. Data revision - practice

Data are revised when there are updates or errors found.
17.2.1. Data revision - average size

Not applicable.


18. Statistical processing Top
18.1. Source data

See the concept 3.1.1 above.

Surveys in all economical sectors, administrative data for capacities, waste treatment, households, services and waste treatment sector.
18.2. Frequency of data collection

Every two years.
18.3. Data collection

See below.

Survey every two years + administrative data.
18.3.1. Description of methods of data collection on capacity of treatment facilities (Dataset FAC: facilities of treatment of waste)

Administrative data.
18.4. Data validation

Validation happens by the validations service, especially based on historical data.
18.5. Data compilation

This section is about collecting data on capacity of treatment facilities.

For several data points, the final result was the aggregation of data from three regions. For the industrial sector for instance, data from the flanders region were added to data from our survey in Wallonia and Brussels to obtain the Belgian total.
18.5.1. Imputation - rate

No imputation is done.
18.5.2. Wet matter for sludges
  03.2
Industrial effluent sludges		 03.2
Industrial effluent sludges		 11
Common sludges		 12.7
Dredging spoils
non-hazardous hazardous non-hazardous non-hazardous
amounts        
18.5.3. Indicators
  03.2
Industrial effluent sludges		 03.2
Industrial effluent sludges		 11
Common sludges		 12.7
Dredging spoils
non-hazardous hazardous non-hazardous non-hazardous
amounts        
18.6. Adjustment

Adjustments can be made if data seem incorrect.
18.6.1. Seasonal adjustment

None.


19. Comment Top

No further comments.


Related metadata Top


Annexes Top