Sweden has developed an advanced system that allows almost 100% of its waste to be converted into energy, using controlled incineration.
Thanks to this technique, the country generates enough heat and electricity to supply 250,000 households, minimizing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
How does waste management work in Sweden?
The treatment is carried out in waste-to-energy (WTE) plants, where waste is sorted into three categories:
- Organic waste → Transformed into biogas, compost, and fertilizers.
- Recyclable plastics → Processed and reused.
- Non-recyclable waste → Incinerated at 850°C to produce energy.
This system reduces the dependence on fossil fuels and optimizes sustainable waste management.
Energy from waste: impressive figures
Sweden not only recycles its own waste but also imports waste from other European countries to produce more energy.
Key facts:
- 1 ton of oil is equivalent to 4 tons of incinerated waste.
- In 2022, Sweden recycled 86% of glass, 78% of paper, and 82% of aluminum.
- More than 30 power plants run on recycled waste.
The key to Swedish success
The Swedish model minimizes waste accumulation and transforms it into valuable resources. Furthermore, its environmental approach avoids large volumes of pollution and ensures an efficient use of waste.
Sweden stands out as a global leader in waste management and clean energy, demonstrating that smart recycling can change the future.
Europe and waste generation
According to the European Waste Management Association, the continent generates over 190 million tons of waste per year, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions.
Although conventional recycling and container deposit systems have improved waste management, they are not enough to reduce waste accumulation.
