ERC Upcoming Events and News

(04.12.2008) EU reconsults on biowaste collection plans

Source: ENDS Europe DAILY 2671, 03/12/08

The European commission has launched a fresh consultation to investigate whether the EU should agree harmonised rules on the collection and recycling of biowaste.  A green paper published on Wednesday summarises the history of the issue and lays out possible future action.

The commission drafted biowaste legislation over three years ago but then shelved the plans (EED 15/04/05), prompting complaints from campaign groups, industry and several member states (EED 31/05/06).  The newly-revised EU waste framework directive has required it to reopen the issue (EED 26/11/08).

In its new paper the commission says an EU target to recycle biowastes - which mainly comprise kitchen, garden and park waste - could be set in a new directive or in a revision of the waste framework law due from 2014. But it may be "difficult or inappropriate" to set a one-size-fits-all target and "might be necessary" to leave room for national flexibility to choose the best biowaste management option.

An alternative could be to allow states to fix their own targets.  The commission says these could "act as drivers for national stakeholders" but acknowledges the risk that governments would set weak targets.

In a vaguely-worded section of the paper the commission suggests there could be targets for the separate collection of biowaste, but says this would create "additional costs and administrative burdens".  It also asks whether planned EU standards for high-quality compost should be supplemented by standards for lower-quality compost from biowaste.

The public consultation on the green paper closes on 15 March next year. It also asks whether planned EU standards for high-quality compost should be supplemented by standards for lower-quality compost from biowaste.

The public consultation on the green paper closes on 15 March next year.

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(24.11.2008) The Waste Framework Directive (final version) is available here after publication in the Official Journal

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(24.11.2008) New Report: Increasing World Market Prices - Driver for High Level Recycling?

Discussion paper on the challenges & Perspectives from the changing resource situation on recycling decisions - Final version May 2008 - Edited by Dirk Jepsen, Knut Sander, Ökopol GmbH, Hamburg Download the Report (PDF) here

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(23.01.2008) Recycling Seminar at European Parliament, Altiero Spinelli, Room A5G-1
Rue Wiertz, 60, 1047 Brussels (13.45-16.30 h)

 

What does the Recycling Industry need from EU policy makers?
Towards a real Recycling Society

The European Recycling Coalition ERC is organising a seminar in the EU Parliament with a view to further contribute to the policy debate on the legislative framework on waste management and to address key issues for the future.

It is an opportunity for the Recycling Industry to clearly express its visions and needs and share views with EU policy makers.

In the context of the co decision procedure for the revision if the Waste Framework Directive, the event will give participants the opportunity to discuss three main issues:

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ERC European Recycling Coalition –  c/o Interel Cabinet Stewart – Rue du Luxembourg, 22-24 –   B-1000 Brussels
Tel.: +32 2 213 13 27 – Fax: +32 2 213 13 13 – EMail: info@recycling-coalition.eu – www.recycling-coalition.eu