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Recycling of packaging waste by country, 2008 and 2010: The figure shows the recycle of packaging waste by country in 2008 and 2010
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Generation and recycling of packaging waste (CSI 017/waste 002) - Assessment published Nov 2012: The generation of packaging waste per capita in the EU has followed a growing trend until 2006. Between 2006 and 2009, a stabilisation was observed, while in 2009 effects of the economic downturn were reflected by a decreased level of packaging waste. In 2010, amount of packaging waste generated became 157 kg/capita following a slight increase in the trend after the economic downturn. This is a clear indication that, neither decoupling waste generation from economic growth nor the EU policy objective of waste prevention has as yet been accomplished for this waste stream. However, the recycling schemes appear to be quite effective for packaging waste. After 2000, recycling covered more than 50% of the generated packaging waste, a lot higher than the 25% target of the Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste for the year 2001. In 2008, recycling covered 61% of the generated waste, already exceeding the 2008 target of the Directive, which is 55%. The situation improved slightly in 2010 as the recycling rate of 63,2% was achieved at the EU-27 level.
Located in Data and maps › Indicators › Generation and recycling of packaging waste
EU exporting more waste, including hazardous waste: Waste is increasingly moving across EU borders, for recovery or disposal. This is true for waste shipments between EU countries, and also transfers of waste outside the EU, according to a new assessment from the European Environment Agency (EEA).
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Planet RE:think: First cut of Planet RE:think. The film tells the story of unsustainable resource use, showing the truly global nature of the problem, from environmentally devastating mining in Canada to recycling of electronic waste in India which damages the health of workers. The feature-length film also includes positive examples of 'green economy' policies and business models, from Ecuador to South Africa. The film was premiered at the UN Sustainable Development conference in Rio de Janeiro on 17 June, 2012.
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Recycling rates for packaging waste in 2009 by country: Generation and recycling of packaging waste in the member countries of the European Environment Agency. The data show that 17 countries in 2009 met the 2009 target of the Packaging Waste Directive (2004/12/EC) to recycle at least 55% of packaging waste generated, and two countries missed the 2001 target to recycle at least 25%.
Located in Data and maps › Maps and graphs
Part 2. Thematic indicator-based assessments: Located in Publications › Environmental indicator report 2012 › Environmental indicator report 2012 - Ecosystem resilience and resource efficiency in a green economy in Europe
Material resources and waste — 2012 update: Update to the European Environment State and Outlook 2010 (SOER 2010) thematic assessment
Located in Publications
Europe's demand for resources reaching far beyond its borders: Demand for materials is so intense that between 20 and 30 % of the resources we use in Europe are now imported. With the boom in international trade, EU consumption and production damage ecosystems and human health far beyond Europe’s borders, according to a report published by the European Environment Agency (EEA).
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Job creations from recycling: More jobs at higher income levels are created by recycling than compared to landfilling or incinerating waste. Overall employment related to the recycling of materials in European countries increased by 45 % between 2000 and 2007.
Located in News › Recycling industry can boost the European economy › key facts
Recycling provides core resources: Recycling can meet a large proportion of the economy’s resources demand, alleviating pressure on ecosystems to provide resources and assimilate waste. Recycling already meets substantial proportions of demand for some resource groups, notably paper and cardboard, and iron and steel.
Located in News › Recycling industry can boost the European economy › key facts