Every person in Luxembourg generates waste that could be reused or recycled. This includes edible food, recyclable materials, and items that are not sorted correctly.
In 2024, each resident is expected to create 154 kg of household waste. This marks a reduction of 9 kg from the previous two years, showing a steady decline since 2013 when the figure stood at 223.2 kg per person. This improvement reflects better sorting practices at the individual level. Waste researcher Tim Mirgain notes that people are becoming more aware of what can be recycled or composted.
The study examined 15.6 tonnes of mixed waste from various municipalities, considering seasonal differences through two sorting campaigns a year. The researchers sorted waste into 70 categories. They have adjusted their methods to identify more items, especially food waste that remains packaged.
Biowaste makes up about 37% of what goes into black bins. This equates to roughly 57 kg per person annually, which includes around 20 kg of food that could have been avoided. Environment Minister Serge Wilmes emphasizes that 72% of the waste in these bins could be managed better.
When it comes to recycling, packaging is still a major concern. Paper and cardboard waste has decreased to just over 20 kg per person each year, while plastic waste has dropped significantly to 16 kg. However, billions of plastic bottles still find their way into general waste, costing approximately 11 million euros annually at the European level.
There are notable differences between urban and rural waste compositions. Urban dwellers generate about 45 kg of biowaste yearly, while those in rural areas produce 31 kg. This difference is linked to living conditions, where space in apartments can limit sorting capabilities.
Households that use a bin-weighing system tend to reduce their waste by around 27 kg per person each year. This system, according to Minister Wilmes, is a key factor in promoting waste reduction.
On a positive note, Luxembourg has already met its 2025 recycling target of 55%. The recycling rates for plastic bottles and cans are close to the set goals, indicating effective management. The government plans further steps to enhance these outcomes, including considering deposit systems for certain items.
To support better waste management, various tools are being introduced. Anne Majerus from the Environment Administration mentions an advice platform focused on reducing food waste, an “ABC of sorting” guide, and a helpful app for disposal location. Better information could reduce sorting mistakes, especially in apartment complexes.
As a society, we are becoming more responsible and aware of the impact of our waste. Simple changes at the individual level collectively have the power to create significant positive outcomes for our environment.
For more details on waste management strategies, you can check the European Environment Agency.
