European waste policy to become more sustainable

European Parliament has discussed new proposals for the revision of European waste policy. It demonstrates a clear intention to target sustainability and to put an end to the disposables model. “It seems my colleagues finally recognise the need for a recycling economy,” European Parliament member Mark Demesmaeker responds. “We must reshape the waste policy towards truly sustainable materials management. Revision of the waste legislation provides us with a chance to help shape this transformation.”

“The proposed report restores and raises the level of ambition of the European Commission’s original proposals,” Mark Demesmaeker notes. “I also aim at increased focus on prevention: this way, we must cut food wastage and pollution of the oceans to half the current amount. We need one method to measure what exactly counts as recyclable material. There are currently four different methods of measurement, making it difficult to compare the level of success of the various member states.”

Time for a grand catching-up

This level of success varies strongly across Europe. “Flanders recycles 65% of its domestic waste, making it a champion of recycling in Europe. But quite a few member states lag behind, leading to a European recycling average of only 35%. This must urgently be improved,” Mark Demesmaeker says. Which is why he disagrees with the proposal to allow more time for member states who cannot or are not willing to meet the set targets. “We must keep everybody on board by exchanging best practices and expertise. The path that Flanders has set over the past twenty years proves that postponement until 2035 is unnecessary. Everyone must shoulder their responsibilities when it comes to sustainability. It is high time for a grand European catching-up manoeuvre,” he concludes.