Reference metadata describe statistical concepts and methodologies used for the collection and generation of data. They provide information on data quality and, since they are strongly content-oriented, assist users in interpreting the data. Reference metadata, unlike structural metadata, can be decoupled from the data.
The indicator is part of the Circular Economy indicator set. It is used to monitor progress towards a circular economy on the thematic area of 'production and consumption'.
In a more circular economy, the value of products, materials and resources is maintained in the economy for as long as possible and the generation of waste is to be reduced where practical, with attention to prospects for recycling and reductions in biotoxicity. Waste prevention is closely linked with improving manufacturing methods and influencing consumers to demand greener products and less packaging. By making the transition to a circular economy the EU aims at decreasing waste generation while maintaining or increasing economic output.
Comparing waste generated to GDP reflects the waste intensity of the economy and provides a measure of 'eco-efficiency'. Observation of its change from year to year permits to assess whether the economy is able to produce more wealth while at same time generating less waste.
4.1. Data description
The indicator is defined as all waste generated in a country (in mass unit), excluding major mineral wastes, per GDP unit (in euro, chain linked volumes (2010)). The ratio is expressed in kg per thousand EUR.
Interpretation of the indicator
Data on generation of waste excluding major mineral wastes covers hazardous (hz) and non-hazardous (nh) waste from all economic sectors and from households, including waste from waste treatment (secondary waste) but excluding most mineral waste. Major mineral waste are excluded because weight of total waste generation and treatment is mainly driven by mineral waste from construction/demolition and from mining activities, and the latter widely varies in importance across Member States. Excluding major mineral wastes reflects more accurately general trends than the total waste and improves comparability across countries.
The high variation of the indicator may also be due to a number of factors:
Differences in waste classification by Member States may result in partial non-comparability, e.g. high value for Estonia results from including waste from energy production.
Differences in purchasing power are not fully reflected in exchange rates, thus underestimating real income in some Member States.
Different structures of the economy and specialization of certain Member States in high value services (e.g. Finances or IT sectors).
4.2. Unit of measure
Kg per thousand euro, chain linked volumes (2010).
4.3. Reference Period
Calendar year.
4.4. Accuracy - overall
The indicator is produced according to the high-level quality standards of European Statistics. Details on accuracy can be found in the metadata of the source datasets (see link in "Related metadata").
New data points are disseminated within two years after the reference year.
6.1. Reference area
6.1.1. Reference Area - Grade
All EU MS
6.1.2. Reference Area - Comment
Data are presented for all EU Member States plus Iceland, Norway, the United Kingdom, Montenegro, Republic of North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo.
The EU aggregate is also available.
6.2. Comparability - geographical
6.2.1. Comparability - geographical - Grade
All EU MS
6.2.2. Comparability - geographical - Comment
Data are comparable between all EU Member States.
6.3. Coverage - Time
6.3.1. Time Coverage - Grade
> 10 years
6.3.2. Time Coverage - Comment
Presented time series (including EU aggregates) starts in 2004.
6.4. Comparability - over time
6.4.1. Comparability - over time - Grade
> 4 data points
6.4.2. Comparability - over time - Comment
Length of comparable time series without methodological break is longer than 4 data points.
The indicator is defined as all waste generated in a country (in mass unit), excluding major mineral wastes, per GDP unit (in euro, chain linked volumes (2010)). The ratio is expressed in kg per thousand EUR.
Interpretation of the indicator
Data on generation of waste excluding major mineral wastes covers hazardous (hz) and non-hazardous (nh) waste from all economic sectors and from households, including waste from waste treatment (secondary waste) but excluding most mineral waste. Major mineral waste are excluded because weight of total waste generation and treatment is mainly driven by mineral waste from construction/demolition and from mining activities, and the latter widely varies in importance across Member States. Excluding major mineral wastes reflects more accurately general trends than the total waste and improves comparability across countries.
The high variation of the indicator may also be due to a number of factors:
Differences in waste classification by Member States may result in partial non-comparability, e.g. high value for Estonia results from including waste from energy production.
Differences in purchasing power are not fully reflected in exchange rates, thus underestimating real income in some Member States.
Different structures of the economy and specialization of certain Member States in high value services (e.g. Finances or IT sectors).
7 July 2022
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Calendar year.
The indicator is produced according to the high-level quality standards of European Statistics. Details on accuracy can be found in the metadata of the source datasets (see link in "Related metadata").
Kg per thousand euro, chain linked volumes (2010).
