ASPECTS OF WASTE MANAGEMENT IN THE EUROPEAN UNION

People, through their economic activities, influence the environment. In urban areas, the population is growing. This phenomenon, in addition to the increases in the industry, leads to increased quantities of waste. In this way, besides socio-economic problems, environmental problems also appeared. Technologies that do not use raw materials in high percentages have negative effects on natural resources. Their exhaustion is also a consequence of the reduced use of raw materials. The article presents an analysis of the waste treated in the member countries of the European Union. A method of reducing the impact of waste on the environment is given by the application of technologies that reduce the quantities of waste generated. Some wastes are hazardous to human health. Their harmful effect is also affecting the environment. The composition of solid urban waste is influenced by the technologies used to produce the products, as well as the energy sources used. For this reason, it is beneficial for the environment to apply waste management systems in order to reuse and recycle them. Considering the predominantly urban distribution of the population of the European Union, the article presents the situation of municipal waste both generated and treated. An important contribution to sustainable development has a more efficient waste management. The circular economy can be considered as a solution to prevent the increase of the quantities of waste.