Sweden has become so incredibly efficient at recycling and waste-to-energy conversion that they've run out of their own garbage - and now they import trash from other countries to keep their power plants running!
Over 50% of Sweden's household waste is converted into energy through high-tech incineration plants that power heating systems and generate electricity for hundreds of thousands of homes. These aren't polluting old-style incinerators - they're ultra-modern facilitieswith advanced filtration systems.
The Swedish waste-to-energy system is so efficient that they've created a garbage shortage. Sweden now imports about 800,000 tons of waste annually from countries like Norway, England, and Ireland - and other countries pay Sweden to take their trash!
This creates a win-win situation: other countries get rid of their waste problems, Sweden gets fuel for their power plants, and everyone reduces the amount of garbage going to landfills.
Swedish citizens have embraced extreme recycling habits. The average Swedish household sorts waste into seven different categories: food waste, paper, plastic, metal, glass, electronics, and hazardous materials. Recycling stations are everywhere, and there are hefty fines for improper sorting.
The country recycles 99% of all household waste - less than 1% ends up in landfills. Compare that to the United States, where about 30% of waste still goes to landfills.
Sweden's "circular economy" approach means they view garbage as a valuable resource rather than something to throw away. They've essentially turned trash into a major energy source that heats homes and powers cities!
So while other countries struggle with overflowing landfills, Sweden has turned garbage into green energy and a profitable import business!