On April 18, 2018, European Parliament (EP) endorsed several key legislation pieces important for supporting the European Union’s (EU) ambition to move towards a more ‘circular’ economy.
As Robert Hodgson summarized in his article published on April 18, 2018 by ENDS Europe, the revised Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC) requires that Member States ensure recycling of 60% of municipal waste by 2030, with an interim target of 55% for 2025. Also by 2025, separate collection of hazardous waste will become compulsory. Furthermore, “manufacturers will be obliged to inform the European Chemicals Agency [ECHA] of any substances of very high concern (SVHC) in their products, with information made available in a public database” (FPF reported).
An amendment to the Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste (94/62/EC) requires that 70% of all product packaging be recycled by 2030, with an interim target of 65% by 2025. Differing requirements are set for different types of packaging materials, ranging from 30% for wood to 55% for plastic and 85% for paper. Any reuse of packaging material shall be taken into account for the attainment of recycling targets.
The third adopted legislation piece, an amendment to the landfill directive (1999/31/EC), rules that less than 10% of municipal waste gets landfilled by 2035. In addition, EP adopted several amendments to “rules on the treatment of scrap cars, batteries, and waste electrical and electronical equipment [WEEE].”
European Environmental Bureau (EEB) commented that the new regulations “could have been more ambitious, but their successful implementation will help governments consolidate this progress with benefits for the people and society as a whole.”
The new waste legislation package should enter into force after a formal adoption by the EU Council.
Read more
Robert Hodgson (April 18, 2018). “Green light for sweeping reform of European waste policy.” ENDS Europe
Jorge Valero (April 18, 2018). “Europeans will have to recycle half of their waste by 2025.” EurActiv
APEAL (April 18, 2018). “APEAL welcomes formal adoption by European Parliament of the circular economy package.”
European Parliament (April 18, 2018). “Circular economy: More recycling of household waste, less landfilling.”
The Canmaker (April 20, 2018). “Circular economy package to be adopted by the EU.”
Chemical Watch (April 23, 2018). “European Parliament endorses revised waste framework Directive.“
