ABSTRACT
The transition to a circular model of economy is based not only on proper waste management, waste separation or recycling, but it is mainly conditioned by the necessary minimization of waste production. The principles of the circular economy are based on the elimination of waste, which affects all spheres of production and consumption. The paper focuses on the assessment of the development of municipal waste production and recycling rate, which represent the basic element for the transition to circular economy, in the conditions of Slovakia and the European Union. The results showed that only six countries have managed to reach the 2020 municipal waste recycling rate target (50 %) and that Slovakia is on the path to achieve the target in 2025.