Energy Indicators for Sustainable Development: Guidelines and Methodologies International Atomic Energy Agency United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs International Energy Agency Eurostat European Environment Agency

(b) Measuring Methods: To obtain a reasonable estimation of the proper disposal of 
waste, it is important to have an inventory of (energy) waste treatment and disposal 
facilities, whether on-site or at separate facilities that can also dispose of other types 
of waste. The weight of (energy) waste properly disposed of can most easily be 
measured as it enters the waste disposal or treatment facility. In the case of mining 
waste, which normally is stored on-site, the amount can be estimated based on the 
availability of adequate storage or treatment facilities on-site and on the percentage of 
waste generated that is sent to those facilities. For this indicator, it is important that 
the different types of waste be reported separately to highlight the main waste types 
for which proper disposal facilities are needed. 
(c) Limitations of the Indicator: The expression ‘properly disposed of’ will have 
different meanings in different countries, and therefore the indicator will not 
necessarily mean the same thing everywhere. However, as use of this indicator is 
mainly internal, this will not pose a major problem. The indicator does not distinguish 
between toxic and hazardous wastes, and those that are more benign. For this reason, 
it is important to break the indicator down into the different types of waste. 
(d) Alternative Definitions/Indicators: Two alternative indicators are proposed: 
• Amount of waste generated by the energy sector awaiting proper disposal. 
• Capacity of existing energy-related solid waste disposal and treatment 
facilities as a percentage of waste generated. This information is likely to be 
3
Transport equipment is considered to belong to the transport sector and thus is excluded from the 
definition of waste from the energy sector. If such equipment were included, the figures could be 
manipulated and waste could be ‘reduced’ by simply outsourcing transport activities, with no real 
impact on the quantities of waste generated. 

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more easily available, as in many countries these facilities are licensed or at 
least subject to planning permission.