Comparing Waste Systems in Canada and Sweden

Abstract

Canada and Sweden are two countries that are actively involved in environmental protection and both go as far as to declare themselves among the most environmentally friendly countries in the world. However, a report issued by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) ranked each participating country in twenty five key environmental factors and saw Canada place 28th overall out of the 29 participating countries. Sweden on the other hand saw itself coming in at a respectable 10th (Boyd, 2001). The similarities between the two countries in terms of Human Development Index (HDI), Gross Domestic Product (GDP), general climate and interest in environmental protection would at first impression imply similar standards of living and therefore waste production. However, the numbers clearly demonstrate the Sweden is well ahead of Canada in terms of generating and managing its waste.The purpose of this study is to conduct a comparison of waste generation and composition between the two countries on a national scale as well as on a municipal one. Determining the differences between Canadians and Swedes from a waste generation perspective will highlight the cultural differences that create this phenomenon. On the other hand, the analysis of several different municipalities in each country will demonstrate the effects that policies can have on the way waste is managed and ultimately, how it will affect the environment. These analyses will help determine whether or not Canada can imitate Sweden and make its current waste management Canada can imitate Sweden and make its current waste management systems more efficient.