The importance of the waste recovery issue is emphasized by the concept of circular economy going into a political agenda. New policy offers stricter requirements for recovery of waste materials.This paper discuss contribution of the policy instruments and technological aspects to promote waste recovery. To assess the impact of different factors, the analysis of experience of waste management systems development of the Baltic States: Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia for the period 2004 to the 2014 has been made. The study assessed impact of the landfill tax on landfill disposal. Separate collection - recycling ratio of biodegradable waste was analysed. Analysis of the mutual effect of various waste treatment solutions and their potential in reaching recovery objectives are executed. Key conclusions of the study indicate that landfill tax is desirable but not compulsory tool to divert waste from landfill. Existence of source separation system for recyclables is essential condition for increase of recycled waste volumes. Availability of waste incineration capacities is main driver for landfill diversion, but there are concerns, that incineration treatment availability could diminish application of recycling.