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Environment and nature

Volume of waste generated in 2021 grew from the year before – due to an increase in the amount of waste from mining and quarrying and industries processing waste

release | Waste statistics 2021

Change

New database table on import and export of waste
Read more about the change

Change

Data on the volume of hazardous waste for 2017 to 2020 have been updated
Read more about the change

According to Statistics Finland, close on 125 million tonnes of waste were generated in 2021. This is 7.5 per cent more than one year earlier. As in the previous year, the volume of waste has risen mainly due to waste from mining and quarrying and processing. The volumes of waste in 2021 changed in different directions in different industries. The amount of waste from production grew in the total volume of waste in manufacturing, the growth in consumption is visible in the growing volume of municipal waste.

Key selections

  • The combined volume of waste generated by manufacturing industries grew by around one third.
  • The volume of hazardous waste for 2017 to 2021 is multiple times higher than the previously released figures, the reason for this is a classification change.
  • Due to the large volume of mineral waste, the share of material recovery in all waste treatment was around 8.8 per cent.

Change

New database table on import and export of waste
Read more about the change

Change

Data on the volume of hazardous waste for 2017 to 2020 have been updated
Read more about the change

Figures

See key statistical data in the figures.

Waste generated by sector in 2021, 1,000 tonnes per year

Tables

See key statistical data in the tables.

Waste generation by industry, 2017-2021, 1000 tonnes

Waste treatment by type of treatment, 2017-2021 Amount of waste 1000 tons

Database tables

Pick the data you need into tables, view the data as graphs, or download the data for your use.

Updated database tables
Classifications used:
  • NACE
  • Waste class
Period:
annual
Statistics:
Updated:
Classifications used:
  • Waste treatment
  • Waste class
Period:
annual
Statistics:
Updated:
New database tables

Future releases

Background information

Documentation
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Statistical experts

Inquiries primarily
Juha Espo
Senior Statistician
029 551 3463
Other experts
Head of Department in charge