Фактори, влияещи върху генерирането и третирането на отпадъци в балтийските държави
Factors affecting waste generation and waste treatment in the Baltic States

Summary/Abstract: The issue of waste generation and treatment has gained growing importance in the context of sustainable development and circular economy principles. This study analyses the macroeconomic factors influencing waste generation and waste treatment processes in the Baltic region, focusing on eight countries: Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. The Russian Federation was excluded due to its enclave status and differing economic and legal frameworks. The countries were divided into two groups: Group I (old market economies) and Group II (new market economies), which allowed more accurate assessment of how economic maturity affects waste-related processes. Using multifactor regression analysis based on time series data and macroeconomic indicators such as GDP per capita, final consumption, tax rate, Gini coefficient, education index, rate of urbanisation, and others the study identifies significant differences between the two groups. Results indicate that in Group I, tax rate is the most influential factor in waste generation and treatment, reflecting the strong role of fiscal policy and civic responsibility in sustainable waste management. In Group II, GDP per capita and final consumption per capita dominate, highlighting the dependence of newer market economies on consumption patterns. The findings suggest a gradual convergence of influencing factors as the economies of the newer EU member states mature, implying that over time, their waste management dynamics may increasingly resemble those of the more developed economies in the region.

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