The waste management concept as a tool for 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 tool is and can also be used for operational waste prevention. In addition, proposals have been drawn up on how to identify and exploit potential for waste prevention. Selected concepts were examined and interviews with waste officers, planners, consultants and representatives of public authorities were conducted. On the basis of the evaluation, the introduction of a two-stage waste management concept, the adaptation of legal framework conditions, an update of the BMLFUW guide and the development of an Internet platform to inform Austrian businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, are recommended.