Brussels, February 14 - A new study, released
today [1], shows that the proposed binding minimum EU recycling targets of 50
per cent for municipal waste [2] by 2020, currently discussed by the European
Parliament, could save emissions equivalent to more than 89 million tonnes (mt)
of CO2 equivalent per year. This is equivalent to taking 31 million cars off
the road. The study builds on a UK report [3] which found that most studies
showed that recycling was better for the climate than incineration.
Dr Michael
Warhurst of Friends of the Earth Europe said: "Recycling our waste helps to tackle climate
change, and targets are the best way to make sure recycling really happens
across Europe. This study shows the massive potential benefits from targets for
municipal waste. Friends of the Earth believes it is crucial that targets for
business waste are also agreed, as these will also have massive benefits, and
we all need to do our bit."
The study also calculates the climate benefits
of waste prevention, and finds that if waste volumes were stabilised at 2006
levels, a total of 1.1 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalents would be saved by
2020.
Nathalie
Cliquot of EEB said: "This study provides further evidence that we
must make waste prevention a reality, as it has the potential to save
significant quantities of climate-changing emissions, not to mention avoiding
environmental damage in the use of natural resources. The European Parliament
has already supported a target to stabilise waste production across the EU at
2008 levels by 2012 - they must not let EU Governments dodge this crucial
issue."
The new research is released exactly a year
after the European Parliament voted in its first reading for the following
binding EU targets for prevention and recycling:
- Stabilisation of total waste generation in each EU country at 2008 levels by
2012
- A minimum recycling rate of 50 per cent for municipal waste by 2020, with the
option of a 5-year delay for those countries with very low recycling rates.
- A minimum recycling rate of 70 per cent for industrial, commercial,
construction and demolition wastes by 2020.
EU Governments have ignored the European
Parliament's vote in their first reading Common position, and the second
reading is now starting with recycling targets as one of the main issues of
negotiation. Five EU countries have already achieved the 50 per cent recycling
rate for municipal solid waste, with others having set similar targets,
demonstrating that this target really is achievable.
***
For more information, please contact:
Dr A. Michael Warhurst, Waste and Resources
Campaign, Friends of the Earth Europe
Mobile: +44 7841 503 474; Email: michael.warhurst@foe.co.uk
Doreen Fedrigo, Policy Coordinator, European
Environmental Bureau
Tel: +32 2289 1304; Email: doreen.fedrigo@eeb.org