It is estimated that more than 3 billion tons of waste are generated
in Europe every year, and hazardous waste generally makes
up about 1% of all waste in Europe [1]; nevertheless, hazardous
waste presents a serous risk to the ecosystem and human health if
not managed and treated safely. Several countries of the European
Union (EU) report treatment rates of hazardous waste (separation,
collection, recovery, etc.) in excess of 40% (e.g. 57% in Denmark)
[1]; by contrast, Portugal, Luxembourg and the Netherlands export
a large portion of hazardous waste [2]. So then, Portugal’s situation
(annual production of ∼250 thousand tons) is discussed as a case
study.