How Aggregated Indicators and Data Gaps Distort the Analysis of Waste and the Circular Economy
How Aggregated Indicators and Data Gaps Distort the Analysis of Waste and the Circular Economy

Author(s): Anton Peychev
Subject(s): Economy, National Economy
Published by: Институт за икономически изследвания при Българска академия на науките
Summary/Abstract: This paper explores the reliability of the “EU average” as a reference value for assessing performance in waste management and the circular economy. It highlights the dominant contribution of larger economies to aggregated indicators and the distortions that arise when interpreting these figures for smaller member states. A critical review is conducted of the available statistical data on waste and related indicators of circular material use. The study identifies key gaps in the statistical framework, including the lack of comparable data between generated and recycled waste across economic subsectors and the inconsistent reporting frequency of core indicators. Furthermore, the analysis demonstrates the dependence of circular economy metrics on the economic structure of individual countries, which makes cross-country comparisons potentially misleading with regard to actual progress toward circularity.

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