EU aims for zero-waste economy with higher recycling targets
The EU has proposed higher recycling targets in a bid to transform Europe’s economy into one where nothing is wasted, supporting sustainable growth and a zero-waste economy.
Under the new targets, European countries will:
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Ban the burying of recyclable waste in landfill after 2025
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Recycle 70% of municipal waste (everyday rubbish) and 80% of packaging by 2030
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Reduce marine litter and food waste.
Anticipated benefits include
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An economy with a lower environmental impact and reduced CO2 emissions
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Less demand for costly, scarce resources
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580 000 new jobs in waste management.
The EU is working towards a “circular economy” in Europe, in which reusing, repairing and recycling materials is the norm – instead of extracting raw materials, using them once and discarding them.
- In 2010, some 400 – 500 million tonnes of waste that could have been reused or recycled were instead landfilled or burned in Europe.
- Making the most of our resources could boost EU competitiveness on the global stage and reduce our reliance on increasingly scarce – and expensive – raw materials.
The EU says the move towards a circular economy can be driven by
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Designing products that are easier to repair, upgrade and recycle
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Creating better performing products that last longer, and more efficient production processes
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Reducing the use of materials that are hazardous or difficult to recycle
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Providing incentives to reduce waste
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Turning waste into a resource through technical advances.
Look at it from a resource management and financial bottom line perspective>
- For businesses, costs will fall by an estimated 8% of annual turnover.