Most hazardous waste comes from industrial processes. Some of it is managed at the industries where it is produced on the basis of a special permit issued by the Government. Such permits have been extended to some 30 companies in Sweden. The municipalities can also take responsibility on a voluntary basis for hazardous waste of industrial origin. Approximately 50 % of Swedish municipalities have so far assumed this responsibility. Hazardous waste not taken care of in any of these ways is handled in accordance with a special system that has been implemented in Sweden. At the centre of this system is the Kvarntorp treatment and incineration plant, which also functions as an intermediate and final storage facility for various kinds of hazardous waste.
The most common method in Sweden for treatment of hazardous organic waste is incineration. Biological and chemico-physical treatment methods are also used. The inorganic residue is taken to special landfills designed to minimise the risk of contamination in the long term.
Hazardous waste requires special handling owing to its harmful effects on human health and the environment. In compliance with international agreements, hazardous waste is regulated by the special Ordinance on Hazardous Waste under the Environmental Code |
Hazardous waste generated by households
All municipalities are responsible for collecting hazardous waste generated by households and taking it to a treatment facility. Municipalities most commonly have disposal facilities or agreements with petrol stations, pharmacies and paint dealers which collect environmentally hazardous waste directly from the public. Many municipalities also arrange campaigns for the collection of hazardous household waste in order to avoid having to deal with such waste when handling other household waste.