Recycling and reuse "must have equal status"

Europe must continue to give recycling "at least the same priority as reuse" in the waste framework directive, which is currently under revision, steelmakers urged on Tuesday. Sector group Apeal made the appeal as it released figures showing a jump in recycling of steel packaging in 2005.

The EU-15 average rose from 62.5% in 2004 to 66%. According to a first full assessment, the EU-25 average was 63%. Some of the fastest growth rates – up to 120% year on year in Lithuania – were reported by new member states. Among EU-15 countries, Denmark and the UK reported the largest increases in 2005.