Strategic Moves - Regional Environmental Center for Central and ...

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C H A P T E R 4
E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T A N D T H E E U A C C E S S I O N P R O C E S S
FIGURE 6: The waste hierarchy
BEST OPTION
WORST OPTION
Source: REC, 2009b
S T R AT E G I C M O V E S
Prevent waste
in the first place
Reuse the product
Recycle or compost
the material
Recover the energy
(by incinerating)
Dispose of the product
(in a landfill)
Waste
The goal of EU waste-related policies is to create a recycling society in the
medium to long term by cutting the amount of waste generated, introducing initiatives
to prevent new waste, making better use of resources, and encouraging a
shift to sustainable consumption patterns. The EU waste policy is based on the
waste hierarchy: the treatment options range from the most favourable and environmentally
sound — that is, prevention — to the option with the highest environmental
impact — landfilling. In the new Waste Framework Directive,
incineration is categorised as a recovery option, providing that it meets certain energy
efficiency standards.
The policy instruments behind this approach are the new Waste Framework
Directive (WFD) (2008/98/EC) and the Hazardous Waste Directive
(94/31/EC) 6 . These are complemented by more detailed legislation setting standards
in connection with some of the treatment options: the Waste Landfill Directive
(99/31/EC), the Waste Incineration Directive (2000/76/EC) and the
Sewage Sludge Directive (86/278/EEC). Recycling and recovery targets have been
set for some of the major waste flows such as packaging (the Packaging Directive,
94/62/EC). Other waste streams (such as waste electronic and electrical equipment,
tyres, batteries and end-of-life vehicles) are also subject to “extended producer
responsibility”, including recycling and recovery targets, with the main
financial and physical responsibility falling on the producers. Some of the relevant
directives are presented below.
New developments in the EU waste acquis
The Waste Framework Directive
The new Waste Framework Directive (WFD,
2008/98/EC), adopted in November 2008, is the main piece of
EU waste legislation setting definitions and introducing new
concepts. The directive emphasises the importance of prevention,
recycling and reuse. In the context of the SEE countries
applying for EU membership, this means that the construction
of modern installations should not compromise national efforts
to treat waste using alternative methods, as long as the objectives
and benchmarking (including applicable limit values for
air and water discharges) of the EU directives are being met.
The WFD points out that “Member states shall take appropriate
measures to establish an integrated and adequate network
of disposal installations, taking account of the best available
technology not involving excessive costs.” This text is the legal
basis for designing national strategies calling for new, modern
waste disposal facilities with a proper geographical coverage.