Waste sector greenhouse gas emissions have historically been mostly related to CH4 emissions of biological waste in landfills. Due to stricter legislation and policy measures the amount of untreated waste in landfills has however declined in the last years.

Today, most GHG emissions stem from the incineration of waste in power plants to produce electricity and heat. Net CO2 emissions here result from non-biogenic waste (e.g., plastics, industrial waste).

Smaller fractions stem from CH4 and N2O emissions from biological waste treatment ("composting") and waste water treatment (sewage treatment plants).