In 2024, Germany recorded 23.1 million tonnes of hazardous waste. According to data released by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), this volume represented an increase of 2.4%, or 0.5 million tonnes, compared to 2023. For context, 2023 had reached the lowest level recorded since 2015, with 22.5 million tonnes generated.
Hazardous waste refers to materials possessing specific hazardous characteristics that pose a threat to both people and the environment. These materials can be flammable, carcinogenic, or irritating. Proper handling requires the use of accompanying consignment notes and must be routed through specialized disposal methods and procedures to ensure the safe and environmentally sound destruction of contained pollutants.
When categorized by type, construction and demolition waste again made up the largest share of the overall hazardous waste volume in 2024. This category accounted for 8.9 million tonnes, or 38.8% of the total output. The second largest source was waste originating from waste treatment plants, public wastewater treatment facilities, and the processing of water intended for human or industrial use (including sewage and water works), which together provided 7.2 million tonnes, or 31.2%. These proportions were slightly lower in 2023, standing at 38.4% (8.6 million tonnes) and 31.0% (7.0 million tonnes), respectively.
The vast majority of hazardous waste in 2024, just as in previous years, was generated by two key economic sectors. 9.4 million tonnes, or 40.9% of the total, came from the sector focused on “Water supply; sewage and waste disposal and pollution control.” This figure is up from 9.1 million tonnes (40.3%) in 2023. This group includes disposal facilities like landfills and plants that process liquid and semi-liquid waste containing organic substances, which could indirectly enter waterways and the environment if mishandled.
In the “Manufacture of goods” sector, notably within businesses producing machinery, metal products, and chemical goods, hazardous waste amounted to 4.5 million tonnes, or 19.6% of the total (down from 4.9 million tonnes, or 21.5%, in 2023).
Regarding the origin of the waste, 16.4 million tonnes (71.0%) in 2024 came from primary generators, which are entities where the waste was first created within their own operations. This represents a slight increase of 0.3 million tonnes, or 1.6%, compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, 6.7 million tonnes (29.0%) were classified as secondary waste, arising from intermediate storage sites or from waste disposal companies, meaning they were not originally generated on-site. This secondary waste volume saw a 4.3% increase compared to 2023, equating to 0.3 million tonnes.
