3R Policy indicators factsheets series

Material Flow Analysis/Accounting (MFA) is one of the analytical tools that make it possible to monitor countries’ resource consumption trend and efficiency in resource use at the macro level. It uses already available production, consumption and trade data in combination with environmental statistics (OECD 2008). In principle, MFA can show not...

The indicator “co-benefits of the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) of municipal solid waste on climate change mitigation” aims to maximize use of resources which can significantly contribute not only to reduce GHG emissions but also to receive other co-benefits such as creating green jobs, improving social well-being, reducing health risks, enhancing...

The indicator “promoting full-scale use of agricultural biomass residue and livestock waste” aims to maximise use of agricultural biomass residue and livestock waste through reuse and recycling measures. This would bring about a number of co‐benefits, including GHG emission reduction, energy security, poverty reduction, sustainable livelihoods in...

MSW (municipal solid waste) generation and MSW generation per capita refer to indicators of environmental pressures humankind exerts on the environment (OECD, 2003), and by extension, environmental pressures caused by the use of natural resources. Currently, 340 million tons of MSW is generated a year in South Asia, East Asia and the Pacific Region...

The Recycling Rate and Target is often presented as a proportional value (%) and reflects the proportion of materials recycled or recovered from waste or the rate of inclusion of recycled materials in products. High figures usually imply progress in recycling activities. The indicator has several different aspects: 1) Ratio of recycled materials...

Most industrial operations are linear processes in which raw materials are processed into products, with waste as a by-product. However, waste is also generated at the time of raw material extraction, during processing, and ultimately at the end-of-life stage of a product. To minimise, reutilise or recycle waste at each stage, industrial operations...

The basic qualitative indicator Hazardous Waste refers to the existence of regulations controlling hazardous waste. The presence of regulations themselves should also promote environmentally sound management of hazardous waste. Amounts and rates of generation of hazardous waste are the main quantitative indicators. To assess a country’s hazardous...

Global sales of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) have been rising significantly over the last few years. The rapid uptake of information technology around the world, coupled with frequent design and technology updates in the EEE manufacturing sector is causing the early obsolescence of many of these EEEs, resulting in a rise in electrical...

The EPR indicator refers to the existence or strengthening of policies on recycling and waste management targeting specific end-of-life products or waste streams, and involves producers in recycling or waste management activities. Such policies make producers and importers physically and financially responsible for used product take-back...

Public awareness of appropriate solid waste management practices (3Rs; Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) is the starting point for and fundamental ingredient of a sound material-cycle and resource-efficient society. Public awareness forms the basis of public capacity, which enables the public to undertake actual actions of each element of the 3Rs. Such...