The EU is not on track to reduce waste generation. We need more waste prevention - we cannot recycle our way out. This document summarises our review of the Waste Framework Directive and WEEE Directive's potential to support effective waste prevention.
ECOS has joined other NGOs and representatives of waste treatment operators to create this joint paper, which shows the lack of effectiveness of existing waste prevention policies. We need European level quantitative waste prevention targets, as well as effective national measures. This joint position paper also highlights manufacturers’ role in reducing resource use and the size of the circular economy loop. Lastly, it offers some clarity on the differences between waste prevention and recycling, emphasising that recycling is lower in the European waste hierarchy than prevention.
ECOS is co-funded by the European Commission and EFTA
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EISMEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.