Helena Bergman of ISWA speaks with Weine Wiqvist, Managing Director of AvfallSverige, an ISWA National member from Sweden, about the policy instruments in the waste sector and the development of the Swedish waste market
Sweden is seen as one of the most progressive countries with regard to waste management – what is behind this success?
Strong policy instruments have been used to make Swedish waste management ecologically sustainable. The primary objective for those different measures has been to increase recycling and to decrease the use of landfill for organic waste. But there is also an aim to decrease the quantity of waste produced, and make waste less harmful to the environment.
A holistic waste management approach has emerged where technical developments and improvements in waste planning have been complemented with ‘soft issues’, including enhanced communications and outreach programmes.
Can you give examples of these policies?
Policy can be categorized in many different ways. I would like to make the distinction between regulatory and economic policy. Looking at Sweden, I think that it has been the mix of policies which has been successful. The main drivers for the development of the waste sector has been regulatory. A strong example is the ban on using landfill for organic waste. Other important factors have been the advent of waste planning at national and local levels, setting goals for recycling, and control and enforcement of the legal framework.
In terms of economic policy, the use of local financial incentives – user fees and user charges paid by the end users, the landlord, the industry or similar – have been in place for many years. Those fees and charges supportive the attainment of general goals and play an important role with regards to the waste generation of households. Governmental taxes on waste going to landfill and on the incineration of household waste are other policies used, but with less direct connection with households.
It is interesting that the Swedish government is proposing to abolish tax on incineration of household waste...
An independent governmental investigation has evaluated the tax on the incineration of household waste, which was introduced in 2006. The investigation concluded the tax has not had the expected effects of decreased waste quantities and increased material recycling. Critics also pointed out the tax was also difficult to report and control. Following the recommendations from the investigation, the government has suggested abolishing the tax on the incineration of household waste next year.
Are you against taxes on waste?
As I mentioned earlier economic policy carries more weight than taxes alone. I think the abolition of the tax on incineration of household waste is a good example of the importance of economic policy in the system. But don’t forget that the revenue loss will have to be found somewhere else, in this case through a slight increase of the general CO2 tax.
What are other good methods?
Information! Education! Awareness! The backbone is the technical system – but in order to correctly use the system there is need for information and awareness on how to use and participate in the system. And the other way around as well – if consumers are encouraged to a specific behaviour it is important that there is a physical system they can use.
Which issues do you foresee in the future?
I think we will see a debate about roles in relation to resource management, waste prevention and reuse. The waste sector needs to make sure it does not end up the victim of its own systems, and it is true that the waste sector doesn’t want to contribute to changes leading to less waste. This may feel foreign especially for those in the industry involved with the last steps in the waste hierarchy – landfill.
I also foresee an endeavour to ensure that the waste industry is trustworthy. The demand for transparency will further increase. We see many stories about badly managed waste and waste ending up where it shouldn’t be. Requests for transparency will come from both the authorities and the public.
The core of waste management progress will remain with technology and its development. We need to continue the transfer of technology around the world.
How far is it reasonable to take waste management?
All systems have their limits – waste management can’t reach 100% optimization easily. But how far is reasonable? The limits will be set when they can’t be motivated economically or environmentally. One must also take into consideration that the system is dynamic and developing. Technology development will of course influence what is feasible and motivated.
Interviewer for the International Solid Waste Association, Helena Bergman, ISWA Project Manager
e-mail: hb@iswa.org
