Proposals for targets and indicators for waste prevention in four waste streams

This study, commissioned by the Nordic Council of Ministers, aimed toprovide first proposals for targets and indicators that can be used in the Nordic countries' waste prevention programmes. Four waste streams were considered: food waste, construction- and demolition waste (C&D waste), waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and textile waste. Firstly, a literature review of international experiences was conducted regarding waste prevention policy, waste definitions, target setting and use of indicators for the respective four waste streams. Secondly, based on the findings from the literature as well as experiences of the project team, proposals for targets and indicators were developed. A total of 48 potential indicators were developed, split between the four waste streams ranging from 8 for C&D waste to 16 for food waste. Following identification of potentially relevant indicators, data components which could be used to build them were identified with emphasis as far as possible on existing data, supplemented by data that could be collected at acceptable cost. The relative advantages and disadvantages of each indicator was subsequently assessed using the RACER indicator assessment system. Simultaneously, targets for each stream were proposed, taking into account the characteristics of the targets-specific, measurable and monitorable,precise and time bound-indicated by the Nordic Council Ministers. Finally, potentially useful targets and indicator pairs were suggested for the respective waste stream