Ministers say 2030 recycling goals too high

Recycling targets tabled by the outgoing European Commission are too ambitious, according to the majority of member states.

The ‘circular economy’ package of proposals put forward in July included a goal of recycling 70% of municipal waste by 2030, and 80% recycling goals for packaging and wood waste, as well as 90% goals for ferrous metal, aluminium and glass.

At an environment ministers’ meeting in Luxembourg on Tuesday, many poorer member states criticised the Commission for basing the level of ambition on the experience of countries that have made the most progress on recycling. This approach was acknowledged by environment commissioner Janez Potocnik.