EU Thematic Strategy on Waste Prevention and Recycling
EU Thematic Strategy on Waste Prevention and Recycling
In May 2003, the Commission adopted a Communication ‘Towards a Thematic Strategy on the Prevention and Recycling of Waste' setting out a wide range of suggestions and ideas for the possible future development of policy on waste in the EC[1].
The main aim of the waste prevention and recycling strategy is to reduce, via a comprehensive and life cycle based approach, the environmental impact of waste and waste treatment operations. Recycling targets for priority materials, including construction and demolition (C&D) wastes are being considered. Other measures considered include a revision of The Waste Framework Directive (including the definition of disposal and recovery and clarifying the borders of the waste definition) and the development of a framework for waste prevention action (possibly including an obligation for Member States to set up waste prevention programmes and a Recommendation setting out best practice).
Current thinking suggests that C&D waste will receive much focus in the terms of new or revised legislation due to its large arising and also in the definition of waste - a common problem when attempting to recycle construction waste, as it is still classified a waste (and therefore subject to waste licensing regulations) until it is used within a product.
Previous EU polices and legislation have driven other industries into becoming responsible for the waste they produce e.g. vehicles and the construction industry will eventually have to bear responsibility for their waste generation and management activities.
[1] http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/en/com/cnc/2003/com2003_0301en01.pdf