Brussels, 17 January 2023
On the 17th of January, the European Parliament adopted its position regarding control measures for waste shipments pushing for tighter EU rules, with 549 votes in favour, 5 against and 43 abstentions.
The main purpose of the legislation is to protect the environment and human health more effectively, taking advantage of the opportunities provided by waste to pursue the EU’s objective of a circular and zero-pollution economy.
According to the adopted text, shipments of all waste intended for disposal within the EU are prohibited, unless permitted in limited and well-justified circumstances. Moreover, EU exports of hazardous waste to non-OECD countries would also be forbidden. It will be allowed only to those non-OECD countries that give their consent and prove their ability to treat this waste in a sustainable manner.
MEPs will therefore start negotiations with the EU Member States.
Source: European Parliament