Plans to realign EU waste policy emerge

The European Commission’s environment directorate has circulated for internal consultation comprehensive plans to overhaul the EU’s waste management policies. A draft thematic strategy on the prevention and recycling of waste heralds significant restructuring of current EU waste law but foresees no major new legislation.

Eagerly awaited by industry and environmentalists, the strategy (see links below) responds to policy aims set out in the EU’s sixth environmental action programme and has been in preparation for over three years (EED 26/05/03). If the directorate’s draft finds favour with other Commission departments the package could emerge as a formal proposal by the end of next month.