The European Council has formally adopted revisions to waste shipment regulations, making it much harder for member states to export refuse.
The new rules introduce measures designed to strengthen accountability and boost the circular economy.
Shipment of waste for disposal within the EU will be banned unless authorised under a specific procedure of prior written notification and consent.
Meanwhile organisations won’t be able to send refuse to non-OECD countries unless the receiving nation indicates its willingness to accept the import and demonstrates how it will manage it in an environmentally sound manner.
Electronic information exchange will be introduced and green-lit shipments within the EU allowed through a less stringent process.
Non-hazardous plastic waste can be exported to OECD countries under a notification procedure but will be subject to specific scrutiny.
The regulations will now be signed by the co-legislators, published in the Official Journal of the EU and enter into force.
Umbrella organisation the European Recycling Industries’ Confederation (EuRIC) recently warned that the new laws could have serious consequences for the recycling industry.
