European Parliament wants EU to get serious on "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle"

The European Parliament has today voted on a series of reports to revise legislation related to waste and packaging, under the banner of “the Circular Economy”. The Greens/EFA group has argued that creating a circular economy will create jobs and would be hugely beneficial for the environment. The final text includes binding targets for recycling and a call on the commission to set up binding food targets.
 
Commenting on the vote, Davor Škrlec, Greens/EFA shadow for the report, said:
 
"This is a major step towards unlocking the potential of the circular economy. This isn’t just about recycling waste, but also about reducing it. This will create major benefits for the economy, jobs and the environment. There is enormous economic potential, especially for SMEs looking for new development opportunities. It’s also good for jobs, which are created in much greater numbers when waste products are either reused or recycled rather than simply dumped in landfill or burned. Combating planned obsolescence will help save money for consumers and reap environmental benefits. By increasing access of social enterprises to reusable waste and by making manuals, technical information and spare parts readily available, we can empower citizens to play an active role in the circular economy.
 
Cutting food waste is long overdue. Reducing food waste means less pollution, greater regard for animal welfare, and better quality of food. It can also help combat hunger in Europe and the world."
 
Greens/EFA climate spokesperson Bas Eickhout added:
 
"I am pleased that the Parliament has brought ambition to the Commission’s proposals. Reduction targets for food waste and marine litter, unconditional separate collection of waste, and stronger recycling targets add up to a package that will be good for citizens’ health, the environment, and the economy. This is the sort of ambition we need to see more of if the EU is to meet its climate targets."

Notes: Further information is available in the following briefing.