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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 related to topics:Environment and nature
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
12qw
Classifications used:
  • Waste class
  • NACE
Reference period cycle:
year
Updating frequency:
year
Statistics:
Updated:
12qy
Classifications used:
  • Waste treatment
  • Waste class
Reference period cycle:
year
Updating frequency:
year
Statistics:
Updated:
New database tables
141w
Classifications used:
    Reference period cycle:
    year
    Updating frequency:
    year
    Statistics:
    Updated:

    Future releases

    Documentation

    Description of the production, used methods and quality of the statistics.

    Go to documentation of the statistics

    Referencing instructions

    Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): Waste statistics [online publication].
    Reference period: 2021. ISSN=2323-5314. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [Referenced: 27.4.2025].
    Access method:

    Statistical experts

    Inquiries primarily

    Service email
    ymparistotilinpito@stat.fi
    Juha Espo
    Senior Statistician
    029 551 3463

    Other experts

    Martti Kujansuu
    Senior Statistician
    029 551 3899

    Head of Department in charge

    Katri Kaaja
    Head of Department in charge
    029 551 3488