Local authorities must separate bio-waste in their refuse collection activity much more effectively than is the case at present, the National Audit Office (Riigikontroll) finds, as well as facilitating better recycling and options for products made from bio-waste. Failure to do so could lead to fines from the European Union, the office says.
Auditor General Janar Holm said that: "Promises and the reality are becoming more and more divergent."
"Although Estonia, as an EU Member State, has been under obligation to recycle half of its municipal waste since last year, it is actually able to recycle less than third. This is precisely the greater recycling of bio-waste in addition to packaging waste that would help to achieve the recycling targets." Holm continued in an audit office press release, noting that Estonia has remained at the current level for 10 years already.