How can waste policy contribute to a resource-efficient economy?

Member States use different approaches to meet the objectives set by EU waste legislation. Some have already experienced success with certain strategies and specific policy instruments. Did they use a regulatory instrument such as banning landfilling of specific waste types or a market-based instrument such as landfill tax? Have they set targets beyond the ones laid down in EU legislation? In addition to the policies implemented and their results, the 20 country fact sheets provide an overview of the legislative frameworks and waste management plans.

'Full implementation of EU waste policies, moving from disposal to waste prevention, re-use and recycling, is still a big challenge for many countries. We not only have to stop illegal landfilling and export, but also stem the loss of resources through disposal, especially where waste can be used as part of a resource-efficient economy,' said Prof. Jacqueline McGlade, Executive Director of EEA. 

More specifically, the fact sheets also list national approaches, targets and policy instruments related to the following three objectives:

• Recycling of 70 % of  construction and demolition waste by 2020
• Reduction of landfilling of biodegradable municipal waste to 35 % of 1995 levels by 2016
• Development of waste prevention programmes by 2013

More information:

• The European Topic Centre on Sustainable Consumption and Production.