Republished with full copyright permissions from The Boston News Tribune.

Last week, significant progress was made in the European Union’s efforts to regulate waste shipments and enhance environmental protection. The Parliament and Council reached a provisional agreement that seeks to reinforce procedures and control measures for waste shipments while aligning with the EU’s climate neutrality, circular economy, and zero pollution goals. This landmark legislation aims to safeguard the environment, promote human health, and ensure waste management is conducted responsibly. Let’s dive into the key highlights of this agreement.

Protecting the Environment through Stricter Export Rules:
Under the new law, the EU will tighten the rules governing the export of specified non-hazardous wastes and mixtures of non-hazardous wastes for recovery purposes. Only non-OECD countries that adhere to environmentally sound waste treatment practices and comply with international labor and workers’ rights conventions will be eligible recipients. A comprehensive list of these countries will be compiled by the Commission and regularly updated. Notably, Parliament has insisted on the gradual cessation of plastic waste exports to non-OECD countries within two and a half years of the regulation’s enactment. Moreover, stricter conditions will be imposed on plastic waste exports to OECD countries, including a rigorous prior written notification and consent procedure and enhanced compliance monitoring.

Improving Rules and Information Exchange for Intra-EU Shipments:
The provisional agreement emphasizes the prohibition of most waste shipments destined for disposal in another EU member state unless exceptional circumstances warrant their transport. Stricter requirements, including prior written notification, consent, and information, will apply to waste shipments intended for recovery operations. Moreover, within two years of the regulation’s implementation, the exchange of information and data on waste shipments within the EU will be digitized through a centralized electronic platform. This digitalization aims to enhance reporting, transparency, and overall efficiency.

Combatting Illegal Shipments through Enhanced Cooperation:
Recognizing the pressing need to address illegal waste shipments, the agreement endorses the establishment of an enforcement group that will foster collaboration among EU member states in preventing and detecting such activities. Additionally, the Commission will have the authority to conduct inspections, in cooperation with national authorities, should substantial suspicions arise regarding illicit waste shipments.

This provisional agreement on revising EU procedures and control measures for waste shipments marks a major step forward in the EU’s commitment to sustainable waste management and environmental stewardship. By prioritizing the protection of ecosystems, human health, and achieving climate neutrality, the EU is positioning itself as a global leader in responsible waste management. The ban on plastic waste exports to non-OECD countries and the reinforcement of rules and information exchange within the EU demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive waste regulations and circular economy principles.

The agreement is currently pending formal approval by both the Parliament and Council before it can be implemented. Its successful adoption would result in tangible progress towards a greener, more sustainable future, where waste is regarded as a valuable resource that must not compromise our environment or well-being.