Scant regard for EU waste hierarchy

Archiv – Only a few member states are paying strict attention to the EU’s waste hierarchy of prevention, recycling, energy recovery and disposal, while household waste recycling is still averaging only 26%, according to a European Commission survey covering the years 1998 to 2000. However, the document recognises some improvement since the previous survey for 1995-1997.Only a few member states are paying strict attention to the EU’s waste hierarchy of prevention, recycling, energy recovery and disposal, while household waste recycling is still averaging only 26%, according to a European Commission survey covering the years 1998 to 2000. However, the document recognises some improvement since the previous survey for 1995-1997.
In assessing implementation of the 1975 waste framework directive, as well as waste oil and packaging waste laws, the survey points to problems created by insufficient planning, non-harmonised data and variations in the definition of waste. Italy’s definition of waste, for example, is described as ’inconsistent’ with the case law of the European Court of Justice.
The European Commission document also confirms that all 15 EU states are currently facing infringement proceedings for incorrect transposition of elements of five EU waste management laws.