Guideline VDI 2160 defines requirements for waste management in buildings and on ground. It is aimed at improving health protection, increasing the convenience of users and disposal companies and helping to reduce the costs by decoupling technical requirements from the local authority specifications. It applies to residential buildings as well as office and administration buildings. It can also be applied analogously to other building usages, including restaurants, hotels, supermarkets and hospitals. It does not deal with hazardous waste. Guideline VDI 2160 is addressed to architects, local authorities, waste disposal companies, builders and building owners, building operators and product manufacturers.