The European Parliament has adopted amended Commission’s proposal for a revision of the Waste Framework Directive to reduce waste, including food and textile waste. By the end of 2030, member states have to reduce food waste by 20 per cent in processing and manufacturing, and by 40 per cent at retail and consumption levels compared to the amounts generated between 2020 and 2022.
“It is a proportionate and realistic approach,” said MEP Anna Zalewska (ECR/PLN), the rapporteur for the file. She also underlined that the amendment had gone through because of the willingness of member states, and that it will also help farmers who will be able to avoid unfair practices from supermarkets through higher reduction targets.
Concerning food waste, MEPs increased the 2030 binding reduction targets from 10 to 20 per cent in food processing and manufacturing compared to the original Commission’s proposal. In retail, catering, food services and households, the reduction target increased from 30 to 40 per cent per capita. In both cases the reduction is compared to the annual average generated between 2020 and 2022.
These waste reduction targets should be achieved at national level by 30 December 2030. Instead of a review in 2027 to set a target to half food waste by 2030, the text provides for the Commission to assess the situation and present appropriate legislative proposals to introduce higher targets for 2035 (at least 30 and 50 per cent, respectively).
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More products fall under extended producer responsibility scheme
Concerning textile waste, in addition to clothing, MEPs extended the list of products falling under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme. Now it will include blankets, bed linen, curtains, hats, footwear, mattresses and carpets. Also products that contain textile-related materials such as leather, composition leather, rubber or plastic will fall under the scheme. The adopted amendment requires EU countries to set up EPR schemes 18 months after the directive comes into force.
Food and textile waste reduction target is based on proportionate and realistic approach, on the willingness of member states. — MEP Anna Zalewska (ECR/PLN), rapporteur for the Waste Framework Directive revision
On textiles, EU countries will have to establish EPR schemes, through which producers that make textiles available in an EU country will have to cover the costs for their collection, sorting and recycling. These provisions will apply to all producers, including those using e-commerce tools and irrespective of whether they are established in an EU country or outside the EU.
A compromise has been reached for micro-enterprises which the European Parliament wanted to exclude from the EPR. At the Parliament’s request, those involved in reuse will not be subject to the EPR.
Negotiators also agreed that EU countries should address ultra-fast fashion and fast fashion practices when setting out the financial contributions to the EPR schemes.
Waste Framework Directive sets the basic rules
Basic concepts and definitions related to waste management, including definitions of waste, recycling and recovery, are set by the Waste Framework Directive. It was originally adopted in 2008 and amended a number of times since then. The Directive requires that waste be managed without endangering human health and harming the environment and without risk to water, air, soil, plants or animals. According to the Directive, waste must not cause any nuisance through noise or odours and must not adversely affect the countryside or places of special interest.
The Waste Management Directive also explains when waste ceases to be waste and becomes a secondary raw material. It distinguishes between waste and by-products. The Directive also introduces the “polluter pays principle” and the “extended producer responsibility”.
