Commission Issues Guidance document on the Waste Framework Directive

02 July 2012 The EU Commission has published its Guidance on the interpretation of key provisions of Directive 2008/98/EC on waste, which while not legally binding is important for the interpretation of the Waste Framework Directive. Proper implementation, application and enforcement of EU waste legislation are among the key priorities of EU environmental policy. Directive 2008/98/EC on waste known as the Waste Framework Directive repeals the previous Directive 2006/12 on waste and Directives 75/439/EEC and 91/689/EEC regarding waste oils and hazardous waste, respectively. The revised Waste Framework Directive applies from 12 December 2010 and introduces new provisions in order to boost waste prevention and recycling as part of the waste hierarchy and clarifies key concepts namely, the definitions of waste, recovery and disposal and lays down the appropriate procedures applicable to by-products and to waste that ceases to be waste. Since the date of application of the Waste Framework Directive, many questions regarding its interpretation and application have been raised by national authorities and stakeholders. The latest guidance document is intended to assist both national authorities and economic operators with the aforementioned legislation. The commission said that the document may be revised in the future, according to the further development of European waste management policy. You can view a full copy of the document HERE Read More European R1 Guidelines Welcomed by CEWEP The Confederation of European Waste to Energy Plants (CEWEP) has welcomed the R1 Guidelines recently published by the European Commission's DG Environment. Recycling Key to EU's Resource Efficiency Roadmap The 'roadmap' aimed at transforming Europe's economy into a sustainable one by 2050 has called for waste to be treated as a resource through the provision of economic incentives to reinforce markets for secondary materials and boost demand for recycled materials. European Commission Guidance on Waste Inspections and Enforcement Actions In 2011, DG Environment of the European Commission launched a study aiming at gathering from the EU Member States examples of best practice in permitting and inspections related to the enforcement of certain pieces of waste legislation, and preparing, on this basis, a set of recommendations and guidance documents. This Content is supplied by Free Magazine Subscription Free Email Newsletter