The European Parliament's demand had been for packaging waste recovery targets to be met by 2006 with an overall recycling target at 65% – above the 60% recovery target (see letsrecycle.com story)
. But at a meeting in Luxembourg last night, these demands were rejected by the Council, although that rejection was not supported by either the Netherlands or Belgium, who want stricter targets and earlier deadlines.
Industry figures had reacted with some bemusement that the recovery rate had been set below the recycling rate by the Parliament, but as well as correcting this point, the Council has also adjusted the material specific targets. Paper has been put up to 60%, the same as glass, with plastics moving to 22.5% and a new target of 15% brought in for wood.
The targets, in full, put forward by the European Council of Ministers were:
- 60% minimum recovery target (no maximum)
- 55% minimum recycling target (80% maximum)
- Material specific targets of:
Glass – 60%
Paper and board – 60%
Metals – 50%
Plastics – 22.5%
Wood – 15% - Deadline: 31 December 2008 (2012 for Greece, Ireland and Portugal)
The next stage of the process will see the EU Environment Council meeting in December to decide on a common position between the Parliament's view and the Council's view. The proposal will then be sent back to the Parliament for a second reading – which could lead to a difficult period of conciliation if the Parliament refuses to alter its demands.
According to one EU official, the most likely compromise will see the deadline date being set at 2007.
For more information about the proposals to amend packaging waste targets, see the letsrecycle.com packaging waste legislation page.
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