The rapidly increasing quantities of waste generated in European countries are a major concern for Europe's environment (see Chapter 15). It is estimated that Europe produces annually over 250 million tonnes of municipal waste and more than 850 million of industrial waste. The annual average rate of increase of these wastes since 1985 in the OECD European area is estimated at around 3 per cent. Present disposal and processing capacity is probably not sufficient to deal with the expected growth. Often, existing facilities are not adequate to ensure acceptable environmental standards. The siting of new facilities usually encounters considerable opposition from local people concerned with the potential risks for their local communities.