Czech waste management is grappling with significant challenges: according to recent data, a substantial portion of municipal mixed waste (the contents of “black bins”) still consists of materials that should be sorted separately. A Brno Daily report from February 2026 reveals that the proportion of biodegradable waste has risen drastically over the past five years, while many recyclable components continue to end up in landfills. The data points to a decline in the efficiency of selective collection, which could jeopardize the EU targets set for 2030.
The comprehensive analysis of changes in Czech waste composition was conducted by JRK (a municipal waste consultancy) and the Institute of Circular Economy (INCIEN), focusing on the period between 2020 and 2024. The research findings highlight that although infrastructure is developing, the quality of household sorting is not keeping pace with increasingly strict environmental regulations.
Drastic Increase of Bio-waste in Mixed Trash
The study’s most critical finding is that the proportion of biodegradable waste in mixed municipal waste has risen from 32% to 40% over the last five years. This means that four out of every ten kilograms of trash sent to landfills or incinerators consists of material that could actually be composted or used for biogas production.
In parallel, the proportions of other fractions have shifted:
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Paper: Its share in mixed waste decreased from 8.3% to 5.4%.
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Plastic: Its presence showed a fluctuating trend, ranging between 6.7% and 9.4%.
Vojtech Nozar, marketing manager at JRK, emphasized that while the composition of mixed waste has changed, there remains enormous potential for further sorting. According to measurements, up to 65% of the content in Czech bins could be further sorted if the population utilized selective collection bins more effectively.
Massive Waste Production and Declining Sorting Discipline
Data from the Czech Statistical Office (CSU) confirms the gravity of the problem: total waste production in the Czech Republic rose from 38.5 million tons in 2020 to 40.2 million tons by 2024.
The report also highlights a contradictory trend: while the proportion of potentially recoverable components within mixed waste increased from 32% to 38.6%, this actually signifies that less waste is being separated at the source than before. This “regression” is a cause for serious concern, as recyclable components are lost from the circular economy and cause additional environmental strain.
Regulatory Pressure: The 2030 Deadline
The transformation of Czech waste management is driven not only by environmental concerns but also by strict legislation. Under current regulations, landfills in the Czech Republic must be permanently closed by 2030 (in alignment with EU directives). This leaves only four years to radically reduce the volume of waste destined for landfilling.
The waste management plan for 2025–2035, approved by the previous government, already includes prevention strategies, with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) as a central element. This model shifts the responsibility and costs of waste management onto producers.
Municipalities also face new mandates:
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Bio-waste: Since 2024, it has been mandatory to provide separate collection points for the population.
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Textiles: Since last year, every municipality must provide containers or sites for the selective collection of surplus textiles.
The research concludes that through technological solutions and increased public awareness, a significant portion of biodegradable waste could be removed from the system. This is crucial for achieving the 2030 goals and creating a more sustainable Czech economy.
Official Sources and References:
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Original Article: Brno Daily – Biodegradable Waste Comprises 40% of Mixed Waste In The Czech Republic
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Government Agency: Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic (mzp.cz)
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Professional Partner: INCIEN – Institute of Circular Economy
