Recent Developments in Landfilling and Biodegradable Waste Management: A Case Study from the Czech Republic

Abstract In accordance with EU legislation, the Czech Republic has been progressively implementing stringent regulations for the landfilling of municipal waste. The main reason is to facilitate the transition to circular economy and maximise material and energy utilisation. The aim of this study was to provide insights on biodegradable waste management in Czechia and to monitor changes related to landfilling at two distinct landfill sites in the Czech Republic fulfilling new legislation requirements. The analysis, underpinned by monitoring data on the amount and composition of waste landfilled from 2014 to 2023, has delineated a decline in the proportion of biodegradable waste. This trend aligns with that observed in other European countries. Furthermore, reduced energy production with a decreasing proportion of biodegradable waste in municipal solid waste was confirmed. The study points to the need for improved biodegradable waste separation, and it stands as a case study in the formulation of biodegradable waste strategies.