Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have proposed a ban on incinerating recyclables and biodegradable waste by 2020.
It falls under their circular economy plans, in order to curb emissions and reach the EU's recycling targets.
Industry lobby group, PlasticsEurope, have supported the MEP's proposals, stating no valuable materials such as plastic should be sent to landfill after 2025.
It is expected that the new EU targets "should increase targets for recycling and preparation for reuse to at least 70% for municipal solid waste and 80% for packaging waste by 2030." It is believed landfill will be banned entirely by the EU by 2030.
MEPs are currently supporting the introduction of a target to increase resource efficiency by 30% from 2014 levels by 2030, with national targets for each member state. They have also urged the commission to propose resource efficiency indicators to measure resource consumption from 2018.
Cedrec's take
This is a very positive initiative to cut down waste. It's a known fact that recycling is a necessity to maintain a healthy environment, so burning such valuable products which are so widely recycled is a hindrance to progress towards Zero Waste to Landfill, emissions targets and recycling targets.
The ambitious targets are setting standards high, especially when, in 2015, it's necessary to set out legislative measures to prevent recyclables being burned up, however perhaps the hefty penalties that come with non-compliance is enough to motivate EU members.
