26One of the many churches in Warsaw.
A t the latest BIR Autumn Convention in Warsaw,most recyclers were eager to remain opti-
mistic. The market fundamentals remained good –
especially in the metals and paper recycling sectors
– while exports, notably to Asia, continued to be
strong, they pointed out. Most recyclables were con-
tinuing to attract high prices, with some remaining
in short supply. Although price volatility had
caused traders headaches at times, they were gen-
erally bullish about the prospects for 2008.
IEC meeting
In reviewing latest legislative developments affect-
ing the recycling industry, BIR Environmental &
Technical Director Ross Bartley highlighted an
unworkably small response to the ‘note verbale’ ques-
tionnaire sent out to non-OECD countries concerning
the controls required on EU shipments of materials
designated as non-hazardous waste, including many
recyclables. A mere 21 out of more than 160 non-
OECD countries had provided a response compared
to 122 when the same exercise had been carried out
in 1998/99; also, some of the more recent responses
had been ‘inconsistent’ with previous replies. ‘The
dialogue was not good enough to set up a regulation
properly,’ said Mr Bartley. ‘One of the mistakes made
was not to recognise the previous replies.’
BIR Autumn Convention in Warsaw
Global conce rn
In late October, around 1000 delegates
from the worldwide recycling industries
gathered in the Polish capital of Warsaw
for the BIR Autumn Convention. The leit-
motiv of the congress was the EU’s
revised legislation covering shipments
of materials designated as non-haz-
ardous waste, including many recy-
clables. The consensus was that the
new legislation posed a threat to the
free flow of harmless yet essential sec-
ondary raw materials.
By Manfred Beck & Ian Martin
RI_064 BIR-Introa:Opmaak 1 08-11-2007 09:18 Pagina 26
