- On Wednesday, the EU executive passed a draft resolution to cut waste by almost a fifth by 2030 through eco-friendly practices such as recycling and reuse.
- In addition, the new waste management Act will reduce the consumption and littering of plastic food containers and beverage cups in the EU. The first reporting period is officially the year 2022.
On Wednesday, the EU executive passed a draft resolution to cut waste by almost a fifth by 2030 through eco-friendly practices such as recycling and reuse. The aim is to reduce plastic bag wastage that can be composted and make 80 per cent of coffee cups refillable. As a part of the proposal to slash waste generation, the EU plans to ban mini-shampoo bottles in hotels and the use of throwaway cups in cafes and restaurants.
The plans also include introducing rules such as mandatory deposit and return schemes for single-use plastic drinks bottles and metal cans and the prohibition on wrapping small items in huge packages. All EU member states have unanimously approved it in the European Parliament. As a result, Member States will report the data to the Commission on single-use plastic products placed on the market and provide information on the measures taken to reduce the consumption of such products. In addition, the new waste management Act will reduce the consumption and littering of plastic food containers and beverage cups in the EU. The first reporting period is officially the year 2022.
The document considered issues such as the increase in plastic waste generation and the leakage of plastic waste into the environment, particularly the marine environment. In addition, it focuses on tackling the plastic waste harmful to the environment. EU officials fear that an estimated 40% of new plastics and 50% of paper are used in packaging, making this sector a large consumer of virgin materials, a statistic which could rise by 19% by 2030 if left unchecked.