In light of its findings that waste law is not being properly implemented in many European member states, the European Commission has released a study as part of a series of measures taken to improve the situation. The study (by Milieu Ltd, AmbienDura and FFact) recommends the establishment of a dedicated European body to oversee the implementation and enforcement of waste law. Many member states are failing by allowing illegal dumping of waste, sub standard landfill sites and a lack of basic waste infrastructure. Illegal shipments are a problem too, with another study showing that one fifth of the waste shipment inspected were illegal.
Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said, ‘Compliance with EU legislation is essential if we are to achieve the overarching goal of EU waste legislation, which is to protect the health of European citizens and the environment. We must look at all the options, including setting up an EU agency or body which could enable EU legislation to deliver the maximum benefits for citizens, the environment and the EU economy.’
The proposed agency would review enforcement systems in member states, and coordinate control and inspection activities. Another European body would be set up to deal with serious cases of non-compliance. These proposals have arisen from questionnaires, interviews and workshops conducted with member state officials and stakeholders, and would also force countries to comply with environmental regulations relating to carbon emissions, as well as create a more level playing field in the recyclables and secondary raw materials markets.
