This study presents a comprehensive model that quantifies environmental and economic impacts across the
entire EU27 waste management system using Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Costing. Addressing a crucial
gap in official statistics, this model evaluates waste from both collected and generated perspectives, providing
insights into the significant portion of waste (approximately 171 Mt annually) classified as mixed waste (also
commonly referred to as “mixed residual waste” or “residual waste”). Results demonstrate that assessing waste
from both perspectives effectively identifies inefficiencies in collection and treatment systems, revealing critical
waste groups and high-impact processes. Although the waste management system as a whole shows net climate
benefits, these are mainly related to metals, and the overall modest savings underscore the need for targeted
improvements.
