The share of municipal waste, which includes garbage from households and businesses, that is being recycled is only 44% today. It could rise to 55% by 2025 under new legislation backed by Environment MEPs on February 27. And the target is due to rise to 60% by 2030 and 65% by 2035.
“After lengthy negotiations with the Council, we have succeeded in bringing home a great result that lays new foundations for sustainable European economic and social development. Member states will be obliged to follow clear and common measures on the life cycle of raw materials and waste disposal”, said lead MEP Simona Bonafè (S&D, IT), adding the new goals are in line with the UN’s sustainable development objectives.
Under the new draft legislation, which will be voted on in April, 65% of packaging materials will have to be recycled by 2025, and 70% by 2030. Separate targets are set for specific packaging materials, such as paper and cardboard, plastics, glass, metal and wood.
According to a European Parliament press release, improving waste management could deliver benefits for the environment, climate, human health and the economy.
