European parliament adopts directive on recycling

The European Parliament has approved the European Commission’s directive covering recycling of waste materials in the European Union (EU). The “Revision of Waste Directive” predicts an increase of 70% where the recycling of non-hazardous construction and demolition waste is concerned across the EU by 2020.

Under the directive, member states are required to establish national waste prevention programmes that lay an emphasis on waste prevention – the directive also establish cross-border definitions for terms such as recycling.

Member state governments are being asked to also approve the directive and develop action plans to meet the requirements laid down by it. Any failure to meet these requirements after 2020 will result in legal action being instigated by the Commission.