The European Commission has this week ( 22 December) ratified amendments to the EU Waste shipment regulation which includes new rules on the export, import and intra-EU shipment of plastic waste.
The European Commission in Brussels, where the new rules were ratified (picture: Shutterstock)
The Commission stated that these amendments form part of the European Green Deal, and also implement the decision taken by 187 countries in May 2019 at the 14th Conference of the Parties of the Basel Convention, which the UK is also signed up to.
The new rules coming into force this week will see a ban the export of plastic waste from the EU to non-OECD countries, except for clean plastic waste sent for recycling. Exporting plastic waste from the EU to OECD countries and imports in the EU will also be more strictly controlled.
‘Clear message’
Commissioner for environment, oceans and fisheries Virginijus Sinkevičius said: “These new rules send a clear message that in the EU we are taking responsibility for the waste we generate.
“This is an important milestone in fighting plastic pollution, transitioning shifting to a circular economy”
“The export of plastic waste will only be allowed under very strict conditions. The export of unsorted plastic waste to non-OECD countries will be completely banned. This is an important milestone in fighting plastic pollution, transitioning shifting to a circular economy, and achieving the aims of the European Green Deal”.
Amendments
According to a statement from the Commission, Exporting clean, non-hazardous waste (which is destined for recycling) from the EU to non-OECD countries will only be authorised under specific conditions.
This will mean the importing country “must indicate which rules apply to such imports to the European Commission”. The export from the EU will then only be allowed under the conditions laid down by the importing country.
For countries which do not provide information on their legal regime, the “prior notification and consent procedure” will apply.
Exporting hazardous plastic waste and plastic waste that is hard to recycle from the EU to OECD countries will be subject to the “prior notification and consent procedure”. Under this procedure, both the importing and exporting country must authorise the shipment. This is also the same for those importing plastic waste into the EU.
In 2019, the EU exported 1.5 million tonnes of plastic waste, mostly to Turkey and Asian countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, India and China.
UK
With a Brexit deal due to be unveiled this morning, it is not 100% clear how these rules will apply to the UK.
However, the UK has set out it’s own regulations to comply with the Basel Convention, and has also pledged to ban the export of plastic to non-OECD countries in the Environment Bill.
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Source: letsrecycle.com Plastic
