Packaging waste by waste management operations (env_waspac)

1.1. Contact organisation

Estonian Environment Agency

1.2. Contact organisation unit

Enviormental use department

1.3. Contact name

Confidential because of GDPR

1.4. Contact person function

Confidential because of GDPR

1.5. Contact mail address

Mustamäe tee 33, 10616, Tallinn, Estonia

1.6. Contact email address

Confidential because of GDPR

1.7. Contact phone number

Confidential because of GDPR

1.8. Contact fax number

Confidential because of GDPR

2.1. Metadata last certified

18 June 2025

2.2. Metadata last posted

18 June 2025

2.3. Metadata last update

18 June 2025

3.1. Data description

Reporting with the new calculations rules.

The derogation to make use of average loss rates is not applicable.

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
Tallinn Centre of the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI-Tallinn)	Studies
Waste managers	Estimates of packaging waste containing hazardous substances by material.
Estonian Environment Agency	Data collection, data analyses, reporting data of packaging and packaging waste.
Ministry of the Environment	Legislation
Environmental Board	Data collection

3.2. Classification system

Estonia use a standard classification.

3.2.1. Classification of treatment operations

Estonia use a standard classification.

3.3. Coverage - sector

All sectors

3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions

Estonia does not take into account the amount of wooden packaging that is repaired for reuse in the calculation of the targets laid down in point (f), point (g) (ii), point (h) and point (i) (ii) of Article 6(1) of Directive 94/62/EC.

Estonia takes into account the amount of metals in incineration bottom ash (IBA) for the calculation of the targets.

3.4.1. Types of reuse system in place for each material type

Reuse systems are used, but we do not use this in our calculations. Amounts of reusable packaging are shown in Table 3.

3.4.2. Other recovery of waste

Bottom ash from the incineration of mixed municipal waste also contains glass packaging waste. As it goes to cover the landfill, then the glass contained in the bottom ash is taken into account as other recovery. Only the quantity from the incineration of mixed municipal waste generated in Estonia has been taken into account and the ash that remained in the warehouse has not been taken into account.

3.4.3. Information on temporary storage of packaging waste

Temporary storage of packaging waste were not largely used. Amounts of temporary storage of packaging waste are shown in waste reports. No estimates or surveys are used.

3.5. Statistical unit

 waste company

3.6. Statistical population

Total packaging waste disposed of in the national territory collected by waste operators in all waste streams.

3.7. Reference area

Covers the entire territory of Estonia

3.8. Coverage - Time

year based

3.9. Base period

Not applicable

Tonnes

Calendar year

6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements

Packaging Act, Packaging Register Regulation, Waste Act

Directive 94/62/EC, Decision 2005/270/EC

6.2. Institutional Mandate - data sharing

Based on the law and cooperation agreements

7.1. Confidentiality - policy

The quality report is not confidential.

7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment

Not applicable

8.1. Release calendar

Every year on November 15.

8.2. Release calendar access

annual

8.3. Release policy - user access

annual, free access

​annually

10.1. Dissemination format - News release

Environmental portal and press releases. Estonia does not keep records of the number of press releases submitted.

10.2. Dissemination format - Publications

Final report: Mixed household waste, separately collected paper and packaging waste, and 

waste electrical and electronic equipment. A study of the composition and quantities. 

(file only available in Estonian): Envir.

10.3. Dissemination format - online database

environmental portal: www.keskkonnaportaal.ee

10.4. Dissemination format - microdata access

Microdata which is not part of enterprise secret can be downloaded as opendata.

10.5. Dissemination format - other

Data are submitted to Eurostat in accordance with the guidelines of the European Commission.

10.6. Documentation on methodology

Inhouse methodology is not publicly available. The survey of the composition of mixed municipal waste, separately collected waste paper and packaging waste and WEEE is public.

10.7. Quality management - documentation

In-house quality validation standard

11.1. Quality assurance

Quality is assured via inner procedures. We have guidelines (not for public use) and procedures descriptions explaining the roles and responsibilities. In general, the Ministry of Climate is responsible for legislative development, the Environmental Board is responsible for environmental permits and supervision of companies, and the Environmental Agency is responsible for the analysis of data submitted by companies. 

11.2. Quality management - assessment

See the description in point 11.1.

12.1. Relevance - User Needs

free entree and no specific rules

12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction

not applicable

12.3. Completeness

Packaging waste statistics cover all packaging.

13.1. Accuracy - overall

Packaging waste report data depends on data quality from waste managers. Reusable packaging is not used in calculations. It is mandatory for companies to submit to the packaging register all the data necessary to fill in table 3, and we use this data when filling out table 3.

13.1.1. Statistical surveys used regarding packaging waste generation and treatment

The information in this section is to provide an overarching understanding of the accuracy of any statistical surveys used relating to packaging waste. Some of the information may be available in previous questions.

 

Component of packaging waste	Year	Statistical units	Percentage of population surveyed	Data (tonnes)	Confidence level	Error margin	Details of adjustments from the survey year to the current year	Other details
Calculations of humidity	2020	A total of six typical mixed municipal waste generation areas were included in the mixed municipal waste sorting study. Humidity was measured from mixed municipal waste.	More than 100 households were included.	The moisture content of the waste was measured during the two analysis periods.	95%	<5%	not available	Waste, Municipal: Sampling and Characterization. The study also used the American (ASTM) standard ASTM D5231-92 (2016): Standard Test Method for Determination of the Composition of Unprocessed Municipal Solid Waste.
Calculations of humidity	2020	A total of six typical mixed municipal waste generation areas were included in the mixed municipal waste sorting study. Humidity was measured from mixed municipal waste.		The moisture content of the waste was measured during the two analysis periods.	95%	<5%	not available	Sampling and Characterization. The study also used the American (ASTM) standard ASTM D5231-92 (2016): Standard Test Method for Determination of the Composition of Unprocessed Municipal Solid Waste.
Calculations of humidity	2020	A total of six typical mixed municipal waste generation areas were included in the mixed municipal waste sorting study. Humidity was measured from mixed municipal waste.		The moisture content of the waste was measured during the two analysis periods.	95%	<5%	not available	Characterization. The study also used the American (ASTM) standard ASTM D5231-92 (2016): Standard Test Method for Determination of the Composition of Unprocessed Municipal Solid Waste.
Analyses of the composition of mixed municipal waste	2020	The selection of the mixed municipal waste sorting survey areas was considered to cover the areas different parts of the metropolitan city of Tallinn (Estonia 's largest city and municipal waste generator), small towns as well as rural areas. A total of six areas were included in the mixed municipal waste sorting study.	More than 100 households were included.	In the study, 4 samples were taken from each identified area at each season. A total of 96 samples were taken for analysis of mixed municipal waste. Sample weight about 100-200 kg	95%	0,48%	not available	The study was performed according to a pre-established plan that followed the standard EN 14899: 2005 - Characterization of waste - Sampling of waste materials - Framework for the preparation and application of a Sampling Plan. Sampling and analysis were performed using the methodological guidance material NT ENVIR 001 developed by Nordtest: Solid Waste, Municipal: Sampling and Characterization. The study also used the American (ASTM) standard ASTM D5231-92 (2003): Standard Test Method for Determination of the Composition of Unprocessed Municipal Solid Waste.
Analyses of the composition of separately collected waste paper and packaging waste	2020	A total of 4 areas were included in the separately collected paper and cardboard in municipal waste sorting study.		A total of 64 samples were taken for analysis of separately collected paper and cardboard in municipal waste.	95%	<5%	not available	The study was performed according to a pre-established plan that followed the standard EN 14899: 2005 - Characterization of waste - Sampling of waste materials - Framework for the preparation and application of a Sampling Plan. Sampling and analysis were performed using the methodological guidance material NT ENVIR 001 developed by Nordtest: Solid Waste, Municipal: Sampling and Characterization. The study also used the American (ASTM) standard ASTM D5231-92 (2003): Standard Test Method for Determination of the Composition of Unprocessed Municipal Solid Waste.
Analyses of the composition of mixed packaging waste	2020	A total of six areas were included in the mixed packaging waste sorting study.		In the study, 4 samples were taken from each identified area at each season. A total of 96 samples were taken for analysis of mixed packaging waste.	95%	1,53%	not available	The study was performed according to a pre-established plan that followed the standard EN 14899: 2005 - Characterization of waste - Sampling of waste materials - Framework for the preparation and application of a Sampling Plan. Sampling and analysis were performed using the methodological guidance material NT ENVIR 001 developed by Nordtest: Solid Waste, Municipal: Sampling and Characterization. The study also used the American (ASTM) standard ASTM D5231-92 (2003): Standard Test Method for Determination of the Composition of Unprocessed Municipal Solid Waste.

13.1.2. Statistical surveys used regarding reusable packaging

There are no statistical studies on reusable packaging. It is mandatory for companies to submit to the packaging register all the data necessary to fill in table 3.

13.2. Sampling error

not applicable

13.3. Non-sampling error

Waste movements are automatically checked in WDMS reports from both the receiving and transferring companies, and any errors that occur are automatically highlighted. After entering the report, the Environmental Board conducts the initial review of the reports and approves the reports.

14.1. Timeliness

Depends on the reports of submissions: deadline for waste reports is 31.01 (annually); packaging reports 31.03 (annually).

14.2. Punctuality

State reportings are done on time, their are time lags from the enterprise side. Taking into the acount that reporting to the EU is based n-2 principle then it doen't effect national reporting.

15.1. Comparability - geographical

Not applicable.

15.2. Comparability - over time

No methodological changes were made.

15.3. Coherence - cross domain

Not applicable

15.4. Coherence - internal

Not applicable

15.4.1. Explanation for any component with a greater than 10 % variation

Explanation detailing the causes of the tonnage difference (in relation to which waste streams, sectors or estimates have caused the difference, and what the underlying cause is) for any component of packaging waste generated and recycled which shows greater than a 10 % variation from the data submitted for the previous data year.

Material	Variation (%)	Main reason for variation
Wood	-25%	Generation: Significantly less was collected from companies due to the bankruptcy of some companies.
Wood	-35%	Recycling: Increase in imports and decrease in exports
Wood	-43%	Energy recovery: Due to the bankruptcy of some companies that previously diverted wood packaging into energy.
Metal (total)	-18%	Recycling: The amount of metal separated from the ash decreased
Paper and cardboard	49%	Energy recovery: Decrease of import

 

Not applicable.

17.1. Data revision - policy

Enterprise is responsible for its data and data quality.

17.2. Data revision - practice

No revisions foreseen

18.1. Source data

Electronical system (KOTKAS-The aim of the Environmental decision information system is to maintain records on the waste generated and handled in Estonia, but also on imported and exported waste), surveys and estimates of waste managers.

The aim of the sorting studies are to analyse the composition of mixed municipal waste, mixed packaging waste, separately collected waste paper and packaging waste generated in different regions of Estonia. See: A study of the composition and quantities of mixed household waste, separately collected paper and packaging waste, waste electrical and electronic equipment (Final report: Mixed household waste, separately collected paper and packaging waste, and waste electrical and electronic equipment. A study of the composition and quantities. file only available in Estonian), Envir download.

18.1.1. Waste samples from waste analysis

The waste samples for waste analysis are taken from:

 

Approach	Details about the flows of waste covered
Directly from the bin	No
From the waste trucks	Yes
Other approaches	No

18.1.2. Source of waste flow data for estimation

	Sources	Materials covered
Waste collectors	not applicable	not applicable
Waste treatment operators	available	Plastic, wood, metal, glass, paper and cardboard.
Municipalities	not applicable	not applicable
Others	not applicable	not applicable

18.2. Frequency of data collection

Through the electronic system (KOTKAS), we collect data every year. Once every four years, we conduct a survey of the composition of mixed municipal waste, separately collected waste paper and packaging waste and WEEE.

18.3. Data collection

See responses in following points.

18.3.1. Description of the methodology and verification of data on packaging waste generated in case waste analysis is used

The generated packaging waste consists of separately collected packaging waste, mixed packaging waste, packaging contained in separately collected wastepaper and cardboard, and packaging waste contained in mixed municipal waste.  The data from larger handlers of packaging waste and the data from KOTKAS have been used for the division of packaging waste containing hazardous substances by material. Waste coded 20 01 01 (separately collected paper and cardboard in municipal waste) and 20 03 01 (mixed municipal waste) have been taken into account; the results of the 2020 study on the composition of mixed municipal waste, separately collected waste paper and packaging waste and WEEE by SEI have been used to calculate the quantities of packaging waste. The results of the study are also used to divide mixed packaging waste by material. Study affect the generation of packaging.
Amount of R3k (preparing for reuse of products or their components, consisting mainly of organic materials) is deducted from the total generation of wooden packaging waste. Based on Eurostat recommendations, the excess moisture contained in packaging waste has been deducted to bring the waste back to its natural moisture in the calculations (equal to the moisture content of the packaging at the time of placing on the market).  The calculations are based on the results of measurements performed by SEI Tallinn during the mixed municipal waste composition survey (2020). The measurements have been performed in two stages (in two different seasons) and the average moisture contents by waste types have been taken into account. Packaging waste contained in mixed municipal waste, separately collected packaging waste and packaging waste contained in waste paper, each of which has a separate moisture content, are treated separately.

18.3.2. Description of the methodology to report on composite packaging

For composite packaging we use the results of the surveys. Composite packaging is reported per material contained in the packaging.

18.3.3. Description of methods for determining packaging waste treatment

Packaging waste material	Total	Plastic	Wood	Ferrous metals	Aluminium	Glass	Paper and Cardboard	Other
Data collection methods
Administrative reporting	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
Surveys	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
Electronic registry	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
Waste analysis	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
Data from waste operators	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
Data from municipalities	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
Data from extended producer responsibility schemes	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
Other	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No	Estimates from waste managers.

 

Additional information about the methodology, including the combination of methods used:

The data from KOTKAS have been used for the calculations of recycling. Export must be added to the packaging obtained on the basis of KOTKAS in order to obtain recycling, since it has not been automatically added to recovery. In addition, the packaging imported to Estonia must be deducted, since it has already been taken into account as recovered in the country of dispatch; thus, duplication of recovery is avoided within the European Union. Metal packaging from the mixed municipal waste reaches to the bottom ash during the energy production. According to the 2020 packaging study by SEI, the percentage of metal packaging in the share of metal in mixed municipal waste is 78%. Due to that the proportion of metal packaging in 19 01 02 are added to the recycling. Metal packaging are already taken into account in the packaging waste generation. The share of import of 20 03 01 is deducted from the result. Amount of landfilling is used as a one input while calculating the energy use of packaging waste. The quantity of packaging waste contained in mixed municipal waste incinerated in the power plant, the quantity of separately collected and incinerated waste and the quantities of landfilling are used to calculate the energy recovery of packaging waste (except metal and glass packaging). Moisture contents obtained as a result of measurements performed by SEI Tallinn in the course of the mixed municipal waste composition study are deducted from all quantities. The amount of total recycling, the amount of energy recovery and the amount of packaging waste deposited in the landfills need to be deducted from the generation of waste to get the amount of 19 12 10 and 19 12 12. Bottom ash from the incineration of mixed municipal waste also contains glass packaging waste. As it goes to cover the landfill, then the glass contained in the bottom ash is taken into account as other recovery. Only the quantity from the incineration of mixed municipal waste generated in Estonia has been taken into account and the ash that remained in the warehouse has not been taken into account. 

18.3.4. Explanation of the scope and validity of surveys to collect data on the generation and treatment of packaging waste

The aim of the sorting studies are to analyse the composition of mixed municipal waste, mixed packaging waste, separately collected waste paper and packaging waste generated in different regions of Estonia. See: A study of the composition and quantities of mixed household waste, separately collected paper and packaging waste, and electronic waste (Final report: Mixed household waste, separately collected paper and packaging waste, and waste electrical and electronic equipment. A study of the composition and quantities.File only available in Estonian), Envir download.

18.3.5. Explanation of the scope and validity of surveys to collect data on reusable packaging

Estonia does not use surveys.

18.3.6. Detailed description of the method to collect data in order to calculate the amount of metals separated from incineration bottom ash

Calculation of recycling of metals from incinerator bottom ash : Detailed description of the method to collect data in order to calculate the amount of metals separated from incineration bottom ash in accordance with the Commission Implementing Act adopted in accordance with Article 37(7) of Directive 2008/98/EC.

 

Data	Description of the measurement method to obtain the data
Total amount of metal concentrate extracted from incinerator bottom ash	Not applicable
Average level of metallic content in the total amount of metal concentrate, including the reliability of any surveys undertaken	Metal packaging from the mixed municipal waste reaches to the bottom ash during the energy production. According to the 2020 packaging study by SEI, the percentage of metal packaging in the share of metal in mixed municipal waste is 78%
Proportion of waste entering incineration plants that is packaging waste, including the reliability of any surveys undertaken	Not applicable

18.4. Data validation

See responses in following points.

18.4.1. Detailed description of the system for quality control and traceability for packaging waste pursuant to Article 6a(3) and (8) of Directive 94/62/EC

We have a register where information about waste management is gathered. Waste reporting system (KOTKAS) consists ‘balance method’ - fixinging and comparing the "income" (waste generation + received from others, including imports) and "outgoing" (’finally’ handled + transferred to others, including exports) of waste quantities by type. The type of waste received at the waste management facility shall be entered in the register with the accuracy of the waste code and the quantity received shall be indicated also. When the waste is sorted then this information shall be entered to the register and the type of waste generated as a result of sorting shall be entered as a secondary generation. If the waste is recycled or recovered then waste managers enetering it to the system accoring to lists of waste recovery and disposal operations (R-codes). Register also contains information about imported and exported waste (waste type, quantity, country and R-codes). Waste movements are automatically checked in WDMS reports from both the receiving and transferring companies, and any errors that occur are automatically highlighted. After entering the report, the Environmental Board conducts the initial review of the reports and approves the reports.
Once all reporting is done Estonian Environment Agency aggregates the data at national level and verifies the national amounts before the national waste statistics is published. Waste managers must have waste pertmit which consist operatsion codes that waste managers are allowed to do. When giving an environmental protection permit, the Environmental Board shall ensure that the waste manager has the technical capacity to perform the activities. The Environmental Inspectorate control the compliance of activities with the environmental protection permit.

18.4.2. Traceability of waste treated outside the member State and ensuring its treatment in conditions broadly equivalent to the requirements of EU environmental law

Packaging waste material	Subject to final treatment in the Member State (yes/no)	Shipped to another EU Member State (yes/no)	Exported outside the EU (yes/no)	Description of specific measures for quality control and traceability of packaging waste, in particularly as regards monitoring and validation of data
Plastic	yes	yes	yes	Electronical system
Wood	yes	yes	yes	Electronical system
Ferrous metals	yes	yes	yes	Electronical system
Aluminium	yes	yes	yes	Electronical system
Glass	yes	yes	yes	Electronical system
Paper and cardboard	yes	yes	yes	Electronical system
Others	yes	yes	yes	Electronical system

18.4.3. Description of measures to ensure broadly equivalent waste treatment

When inspecting waste operators, the Environmental Inspectorate checks that a contract has been concluded between the exporter and the importer and that where and how the waste is handled is described. Also that what is described in the contract corresponds to the accompanying documents. However, there is no definitive certainty asi t would require separaate control procedures in the country of destination. The European Commission is currently reviewing the requirements of the Regulation 1013/2006 and this is also one of the important topic how to make this more efficient in the future.

18.4.4. Verification of data on packaging waste generated

The columns in the table relate to information on verification procedures used within the national statistical reporting system to validate the accuracy of the data.

 

Packaging waste material		Cross-check (yes/no)	Time-series check (yes/no)	Audit (yes/no)	Verification process
Plastic		yes	yes	no	Time-series check were made to elliminate errors. Cross-chek with Packaging Register to compare data.
Wood		yes	yes	no	Time-series check were made to elliminate errors. Cross-chek with Packaging Register to compare data.
Ferrous metals		yes	yes	no	Time-series check were made to elliminate errors. Cross-chek with Packaging Register to compare data.
Aluminium		yes	yes	no	Time-series check were made to elliminate errors. Cross-chek with Packaging Register to compare data.
Glass		yes	yes	no	Time-series check were made to elliminate errors. Cross-chek with Packaging Register to compare data.
Paper and cardboard		yes	yes	no	ime-series check were made to elliminate errors. Cross-chek with Packaging Register to compare data.
Others		yes	yes	no	Time-series check were made to elliminate errors. Cross-chek with Packaging Register to compare data.

18.4.5. Verification of data on packaging waste recycling

The columns in the table relate to information on verification procedures used within the national statistical reporting system to validate the accuracy of the data.

 

Packaging waste material	Cross-check (yes/no)	Time-series check (yes/no)	Audit (yes/no)	Verification process
Plastic	yes	yes	no	Time-series check were made to elliminate errors. Cross-chek with Packaging Register to compare data.
Wood	yes	yes	no	Time-series check were made to elliminate errors. Cross-chek with Packaging Register to compare data.
Ferrous metals	yes	yes	no	Time-series check were made to elliminate errors. Cross-chek with Packaging Register to compare data.
Aluminium	yes	yes	no	Time-series check were made to elliminate errors. Cross-chek with Packaging Register to compare data.
Mixed waste	yes	yes	no	Time-series check were made to elliminate errors. Cross-chek with Packaging Register to compare data.
Others	yes	yes	no	Time-series check were made to elliminate errors. Cross-chek with Packaging Register to compare data.

18.5. Data compilation

See responses in following points.

18.5.1. Methods for determining packaging waste generation

Approach	% of waste generated based on this approach
Approach 1 Put on the Market (POM) based on EPR data, complemented with estimates to ensure full coverage of the EPR data	not applicable
Approach 2 POM based on sources other than EPR (e.g. based on production and import statistics and factors to estimate the amount of packaging associated to these product flows)	not applicable
Approach 3 Waste analysis	100%
Other approaches :	not applicable

18.5.1.1. Approach 1 - Put on the Market (POM) based on EPR

Primary sources and their shares in the total.

 

Sources for calculation of PoM	% of packaging total covered								Threshold of this source(*)
	Total	Plastic	Wood	Ferrous metals	Aluminium	Glass	Paper and Cardboard	Other
EPR scheme data	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable
Administrative reporting different from EPR	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable
Surveys	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable
Electronic registry:	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable
Other :	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable

(*) Necessity of a certain minimum amount of waste, turnover etc. to be registered 

18.5.1.2. Approach 2 - Put on the market (POM) calculated from production and reign trade statistics and using coefficients of packaging for the sold goods in question

Primary sources and their shares in the total.

 

Sources for calculation of PoM	% of packaging total covered								Threshold of this source(*)
	Total	Plastic	Wood	Ferrous metals	Aluminium	Glass	Paper and Cardboard	Other
Production statistics	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable
Foreign trade statistics	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable
Specific surveys :	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable
Electronic registry :	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable
Other :	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable

(*) Necessity of a certain minimum amount of waste, turnover etc. to be registered

18.5.1.3. Approach 3 - Waste analysis

Packaging waste generated estimated by waste analysis

 

Type of waste	Number of samples taken	Total volume or weight of samples taken		What proportion does the sample represent of the total waste generated (in %)	Frequency of sample
		Volume in cubic metres	Weight in tonnes
Mixed household and similar waste	96	not available	0,1	not available	4 times in a year (4 different season)
Separately collected municipal waste	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable
Separately collected business waste	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable
Others :	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable	not applicable

18.5.2. Information on estimates for packaging placed on the market

Waste statistics cover all packaging placed on the market.

18.5.3. Presence and calculation of estimates and indication of added volume in % of the total

Packaging waste material	Total	Plastic	Wood	Ferrous metals	Aluminium	Glass	Paper and Cardboard	Other
Validation
Corrections for underreporting of units covered by the above sources	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
Estimates for units below the threshold (de minimis)	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
Estimates for other units legally exempt from reporting	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
Estimates for freeriders	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
Private imports /exports by private parcels	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
Private imports /exports (from journeys)	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
Internet imports and exports i.e. on-line sales	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
Other corrections	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No

18.5.4. Measurement points for recycling applied

Packaging waste material	Description of measurement points used (at calculation point or at the output of sorting operation with subtraction of non-target materials as appropriate, end-of-waste criteria, etc.), including variation at regional and local level
Plastic	The amount of packaging waste entering the recycling operation.
Wood	The amount of packaging waste entering the recycling operation.
Ferrous metals	The amount of packaging waste entering the recycling operation.
Aluminium	The amount of packaging waste entering the recycling operation.
Glass	The amount of packaging waste entering the recycling operation.
Paper and cardboard	The amount of packaging waste entering the recycling operation.
Others	The amount of packaging waste entering the recycling operation.

18.5.4.1. Detailed description of the methodology to calculate the amount of non-target materials removed between the measurement and the calculation points, where applicable

Sorting is made before calculation points. The calculation point is the same as the measurement point. If there is anything else in the recyclable material that is not packaging or has excess moisture, then the waste handler must remove these other quantities with R12s operation or as another output and we will consider the clean secondary material for which the recycling operation is shown to us.

18.5.4.2. Detailed description of how compostable packaging recovered at biowaste treatment plants has been identified and recorded in the data

If compostable packaging is recovered (recycled) at biowaste treatment plant then waste operator measures and indicates which type and how much packaging waste is going into the process. In an annual waste report waste operator shows the amount of wastes which has recycled in a year and has become a product – compost. Compost made from waste has to meet different quality requirements. Only data from waste operators which waste composte system has certified and licenced is allowed to use for annual report for packaging and use for the targets. 

18.5.5. Methodology to determine recycled amounts from composite packaging or packaging composed of multiple materials

For composite packaging we use the results of the surveys. Composite packaging is reported per material contained in the packaging.

18.5.6. Use of Average Loss rates (ALRS)

Description of the sorted packaging waste to which ALRs are applied, types of sorting plants to which different ALRs apply, the methodological approach to calculating ALRs at such point(s), including the statistical accuracy of any surveys used, or the nature of any technical specifications.

 

Sorted waste material and sorting plant type	ALR applied (in %)	Description
not applicable	not applicable	not applicable

18.6. Adjustment

See responses in following points.

18.6.1. Adjustment for impurities and humidity

Factors	Total	Plastic	Wood	Ferrous metals	Aluminium	Glass	Paper and Cardboard	Other
Correction factors for impurities and humidity in % of waste	No	Yes	Yes	No	No		Yes	No
How the correction factors are derived	Humidity measurements have been performed as part of a study of the composition of mixed municipal waste, we used the results of this survey.
If no correction of impurities and humidity is applied, how they are accounted	not applicable

18.6.2. Attribution of waste to packaging and non-packaging types and correction for humidity

Description, where applicable, of the methodology to exclude non-packaging waste from the reported amount of recycled packaging waste and of the methodology to correct the amount of packaging waste at the measurement point in order to reflect the natural humidity rate of packaging (including by using relevant European standards). Aggregated data across facilities of a similar type is acceptable.

 

Packaging waste material	Facility type	Share of packaging waste (%)	Description of the methodologies applied to obtain the percentage
all materials	not available	not available	Waste managers make humidity corrections before reporting data.

18.6.3. Attribution of waste

Description of the methodology to exclude waste originating from other countries, where applicable. Aggregated data across facilities of a similar type is acceptable.

 

Packaging waste material	Facility type	Share of waste from the Member State (%)	Description of the methodologies applied to obtain the percentage
All materials	Electronic registry	not available	The packaging imported to Estonia is deducted from recycling, since it has already been taken into account as recovered in the country of dispatch; thus, duplication of recovery is avoided within the European Union.

No comments.

Reporting with the new calculations rules.

The derogation to make use of average loss rates is not applicable.

18 June 2025

Estonia does not take into account the amount of wooden packaging that is repaired for reuse in the calculation of the targets laid down in point (f), point (g) (ii), point (h) and point (i) (ii) of Article 6(1) of Directive 94/62/EC.

Estonia takes into account the amount of metals in incineration bottom ash (IBA) for the calculation of the targets.

 waste company

Total packaging waste disposed of in the national territory collected by waste operators in all waste streams.

Covers the entire territory of Estonia

Calendar year

Packaging waste report data depends on data quality from waste managers. Reusable packaging is not used in calculations. It is mandatory for companies to submit to the packaging register all the data necessary to fill in table 3, and we use this data when filling out table 3.

Tonnes

See responses in following points.

Electronical system (KOTKAS-The aim of the Environmental decision information system is to maintain records on the waste generated and handled in Estonia, but also on imported and exported waste), surveys and estimates of waste managers.

The aim of the sorting studies are to analyse the composition of mixed municipal waste, mixed packaging waste, separately collected waste paper and packaging waste generated in different regions of Estonia. See: A study of the composition and quantities of mixed household waste, separately collected paper and packaging waste, waste electrical and electronic equipment (Final report: Mixed household waste, separately collected paper and packaging waste, and waste electrical and electronic equipment. A study of the composition and quantities. file only available in Estonian), Envir download.

​annually

Depends on the reports of submissions: deadline for waste reports is 31.01 (annually); packaging reports 31.03 (annually).

Not applicable.

No methodological changes were made.