The European Parliament agreed that European Union exports of hazardous waste shipments to non-OECD countries should be prohibited.
Members of the European Parliament also agreed, that EU exports of non-hazardous waste for recovery would be allowed only to those non-OECD countries, that give their consent, and demonstrate their ability to treat this waste sustainably. European Commission would draw up a list of such recipient countries, to be updated at least every year.
The Commission would also monitor waste exports to OECD countries more closely to ensure that they manage waste in an environmentally sound manner.
Members of the European Parliament’s Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety adopted today a report, regarding these stricter rules about waste shipments, with 76 votes in favour, none against and five abstentions. The report, will constitute Parliament’s negotiating position with EU governments, on the final shape of the legislation.
It’s worth mentioning that last year, the European Commission tabled a proposal to reform the EU rules on waste shipments, laying down procedures, and control measures for the shipment of waste, depending on its origin, destination and transport route, the type of waste shipped, and the type of waste treatment applied when it reaches its destination.
In 2020, EU exports of waste to non-EU countries reached 32.7 million tonnes, representing about 16% of global trade in waste. In addition, around 67 million tonnes of waste are shipped between EU countries every year.
Source: European Parliament
