The waste management concept as an instrument of waste prevention

The mandatory operational waste management concept serves to optimise the management of waste in companies. Experts from the Federal Environment Agency have evaluated the extent to which this instrument is used and can also be used for operational waste prevention. In addition, proposals were developed on how to identify and exploit potentials for waste prevention. For this purpose, selected concepts were examined and interviews with waste managers, planners, consultants and representatives of authorities were conducted. On the basis of the evaluation, among other things, the introduction of a two-step waste management concept, the adaptation of legal framework conditions, an update of the BMLFUW guideline and the development of an internet platform for informing Austrian companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, are recommended.