The revised Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC) came into force in December 2008 and updates the laws governing waste across Europe, merging both hazardous and non-hazardous regimes into one directive. It builds on the 1975 Framework Directive on Waste (75/442/EEC) and subsequent amendments and sets the basic concepts and definitions related to waste management, such as the waste hierarchy and the polluter pays principle. It also sets a requirement for member states to produce waste preventions plans, sets targets to recycle 50% household waste by 2020 and lays out provisions for energy-efficient incinerators to be classed as recovery facilities.

Member states have until December 12 2010 to implement the legislation into domestic law. In the UK this is being achieved through a two-stage consultation process, the first of which was launched in July 2009, with responses due to be published in early 2010. The second consultation is expected soon. This is expected to have widespread implications for the way waste is managed.

Related Links

• Revised Waste Framework Directive