Post by account_disabled on Feb 14, 2024 6:16:53 GMT -5
In a historic decision, European Union (EU) lawmakers and member states agreed to end the shipment of plastic waste to developing countries. The measure prohibits exports of this waste to nations outside the OECD group, made up mainly of rich countries.
The news that Europe is banning the export of plastic waste not only represents a change in the continent's waste management policies, but also redefines the dynamics of its management and treatment globally and ultimately contributes to a more sustainable future. through the implementation of concrete measures and from social responsibility , according to The Guardian .
Environmental challenges regarding plastic waste
Danish representative of the European Parliament, Pernille Weiss, leader of the proposal, said: “The EU will finally take responsibility for its Bosnia and Herzegovina Phone Number List plastic waste by banning its export to non-OECD countries. “Once again, we follow our view that waste is a resource when properly managed, but in no case should it cause harm to the environment or human health.”
These rules, which must be formally approved by the Council and the European Parliament before coming into force, impose stricter controls on exports of plastic waste to rich countries and completely stop exports to non-OECD countries. After five years, countries wishing to import plastic waste from the EU can ask the Commission to lift the ban if they demonstrate adequate treatment.
However, the current reality shows that the majority of plastics discarded in Europe are incinerated, and less than a third is recycled. Environmental groups have expressed concern that some plastic waste sent abroad for recycling ends up in landfills and waterways.
Europe bans export of plastic waste
Europe prohibits the export of plastic waste and highlights its Social Responsibility
Lauren Weir, campaigner at the Environmental Investigation Agency, commented: “While this improves current obligations, the evidence of the damage and the need for a complete ban on plastic waste is clear. “This indicates that the EU is finally starting to take responsibility for its role in the global plastic pollution emergency.”
The new rules allow certain forms of non-plastic waste to be sent to non-OECD countries if they meet certain social and environmental criteria.
Sedat Gündoğdu, a microplastics researcher at Çukurova University in Turkey, expressed his opinion on the matter: “The ban on exporting plastic waste to non-OECD countries is a significant decision. "However, it is disappointing not to see a complete ban on shipments, or even a ban on hazardous and mixed plastic waste, to Turkey, which is both the largest importer of plastic waste in the EU and an OECD member."
“We know from past practice that partial bans and ineffective content controls do not prevent the illegal circulation of plastic waste.” Sedat Gündoğdu, microplastics researcher at Çukurova University in Türkiye.
Europe bans export of plastic waste
Implications for sustainability
The adoption of this measure by the European Union has profound implications for sustainability at a global level. By taking responsibility for its own plastic waste, the EU is taking a crucial step towards sustainable resource management and reducing environmental pollution.
The ban on exporting plastic waste to non-OECD countries reflects the recognition that environmental responsibility cannot be avoided by externalizing problems. This measure seeks to address concerns that overseas recycling often results in improper disposal of waste, thereby contributing to pollution elsewhere in the world.
Sustainable plastic waste management
However, the question arises of what will happen to plastic waste within the EU. With less than 30% of plastics recycled and the majority incinerated, it is imperative that the EU also strengthens its internal waste management capabilities. Promoting reductions in plastic consumption and encouraging more effective recycling practices are essential steps to addressing the problem at its source.
In terms of potential economic implications, the ban could lead to an increase in waste being shipped to OECD countries, such as Turkey, which is already the EU's largest importer of plastic waste.
This poses additional challenges in terms of waste management and treatment, underlining the importance of establishing international standards for sustainable waste management.
The news that Europe is banning the export of plastic waste not only represents a change in the continent's waste management policies, but also redefines the dynamics of its management and treatment globally and ultimately contributes to a more sustainable future. through the implementation of concrete measures and from social responsibility , according to The Guardian .
Environmental challenges regarding plastic waste
Danish representative of the European Parliament, Pernille Weiss, leader of the proposal, said: “The EU will finally take responsibility for its Bosnia and Herzegovina Phone Number List plastic waste by banning its export to non-OECD countries. “Once again, we follow our view that waste is a resource when properly managed, but in no case should it cause harm to the environment or human health.”
These rules, which must be formally approved by the Council and the European Parliament before coming into force, impose stricter controls on exports of plastic waste to rich countries and completely stop exports to non-OECD countries. After five years, countries wishing to import plastic waste from the EU can ask the Commission to lift the ban if they demonstrate adequate treatment.
However, the current reality shows that the majority of plastics discarded in Europe are incinerated, and less than a third is recycled. Environmental groups have expressed concern that some plastic waste sent abroad for recycling ends up in landfills and waterways.
Europe bans export of plastic waste
Europe prohibits the export of plastic waste and highlights its Social Responsibility
Lauren Weir, campaigner at the Environmental Investigation Agency, commented: “While this improves current obligations, the evidence of the damage and the need for a complete ban on plastic waste is clear. “This indicates that the EU is finally starting to take responsibility for its role in the global plastic pollution emergency.”
The new rules allow certain forms of non-plastic waste to be sent to non-OECD countries if they meet certain social and environmental criteria.
Sedat Gündoğdu, a microplastics researcher at Çukurova University in Turkey, expressed his opinion on the matter: “The ban on exporting plastic waste to non-OECD countries is a significant decision. "However, it is disappointing not to see a complete ban on shipments, or even a ban on hazardous and mixed plastic waste, to Turkey, which is both the largest importer of plastic waste in the EU and an OECD member."
“We know from past practice that partial bans and ineffective content controls do not prevent the illegal circulation of plastic waste.” Sedat Gündoğdu, microplastics researcher at Çukurova University in Türkiye.
Europe bans export of plastic waste
Implications for sustainability
The adoption of this measure by the European Union has profound implications for sustainability at a global level. By taking responsibility for its own plastic waste, the EU is taking a crucial step towards sustainable resource management and reducing environmental pollution.
The ban on exporting plastic waste to non-OECD countries reflects the recognition that environmental responsibility cannot be avoided by externalizing problems. This measure seeks to address concerns that overseas recycling often results in improper disposal of waste, thereby contributing to pollution elsewhere in the world.
Sustainable plastic waste management
However, the question arises of what will happen to plastic waste within the EU. With less than 30% of plastics recycled and the majority incinerated, it is imperative that the EU also strengthens its internal waste management capabilities. Promoting reductions in plastic consumption and encouraging more effective recycling practices are essential steps to addressing the problem at its source.
In terms of potential economic implications, the ban could lead to an increase in waste being shipped to OECD countries, such as Turkey, which is already the EU's largest importer of plastic waste.
This poses additional challenges in terms of waste management and treatment, underlining the importance of establishing international standards for sustainable waste management.