More than three quarters of respondents to a consultation on changes to the EUs waste and recycling targets would favour raising targets beyond their existing levels, waste consultancy Eunomia has revealed.
This was among the findings to the consultation led by the Bristol-based firm which ran from June to September 2013, with stakeholders asked their views on future recycling targets for household and commercial waste.
A summary of the responses, published yesterday (January 7), revealed that a total 84% of respondents agreed with the idea that the European Commission should increase or expand existing recycling targets.
Currently under the Waste Framework Directive, Member States are required to recycle or reuse 50% of household waste by 2020.
This is despite opposition to the idea of raised targets from the UK government, which questioned the need to change targets from current levels in its response to the consultation (see letsrecycle.com story).
Waste management industry trade body the Environmental Services Association also argued against the prospect of altering the targets, arguing that it could serve to widen the gap between EU Member States on recycling performance (see letsrecycle.com story).
Target
On average respondents to the consultation said that a recycling rate of 70% for household waste would be the highest achievable level for Member States, in addition to a recycling rate of 75% for commercial waste and 80% for construction and demolition waste.
The consultation also asked stakeholders their views on whether the Commission should set a maximum level on the amount of waste that can be incinerated by Member States. On this issue, 57% of respondents argued that a maximum incineration would be needed.
Meanwhile, a majority of respondents also answered in favour of improvement of the monitoring and validation of reports submitted by Member States, in order to ensure that consistency and reliability of data can be ensured.
Directives
The review was triggered by clauses in the Waste Framework, Landfill and Packaging and Packaging Waste Directives stating that they must be subject to regular evaluation, with the European Commission keen to ensure that they contribute to reducing waste, maximising recycling rates and decreasing landfill use.
The Landfill Directive sets targets for Member States to progressively reduce the amount of biodegradable municipal waste (BMW) being sent for disposal in landfill up to 2016.
And, targets set out under the Packaging and Packaging Waste have required Member States to recover 60% of all packaging waste since 2008.
Related Links
The consultation forms the first part of Eunomia’s contract with the Commission on Technological, Socio-Economic and Cost-Benefit Assessments Related to the Implementation and Further Development of EU Waste Legislation.
From the consultation responses will establish a number of preferred options which will be subject to detailed analysis, due to be completed in spring 2014.
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