Impact of regulatory features on waste management in the Nordic countries

• Published in: IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science
• Main Author: Ivanova, L V
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Published: IOP Publishing 2020
• Subjects: Arctic
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/539/1/012027; https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/539/1/012027/pdf; https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/539/1/012027

Abstract The article discusses the problem of waste management relevant for the Russian Federation and the regions of its Arctic on the example of a number of Arctic states - the countries of Northern Europe. The existing waste management system, features of the relevant regulatory framework and competition development in this area are considered. The legislative framework of waste management in the Nordic countries is heavily influenced by European Union directives and international law. Regulatory documents lay the foundations of management and set goals for prevention of waste generation, reuse, recycling, etc. The Nordic countries have much in common, including cultural and legislative traditions. However, there are significant differences between them, ethat is one of the factors explaining the difference in the structure of waste management and the legislative framework in different countries of Northern Europe. Waste management issues have historically been the subject of discussion at the municipal level. Abolition or reduction of state regulation in a number of activities of the sector create opportunities for competition at the waste markets. In most cases, there is an obvious tendency to strengthen market orientation: many municipalities do not collect waste on their own, but use the services of state or private specialized enterprises. In most Nordic countries, existing laws and other regulations to some extent limit competition in waste management. It imposes obligations, but, at the same time, provides broad waste management rights. Within the current legislative framework, there are opportunities to increase competition in the field of waste management, for example, when the municipality decides to promote creation of a market through a tender. However, the existing regulatory framework may not be enough to improve the market structure or create new waste markets. In general, one can talk about development of competition in the field of waste management in the Nordic countries. Market relations ...