EU waste legislation could be worth billions

EU waste legislation, if fully implemented, could save the economy €72 billion (£60 billion) a year and increase annual turnover of the waste management and recycling sector by €42 billion (£35 billion), it has been revealed by environment commissioner Janez Potočnik.

Illegal waste operations in member states are missed opportunities for economic growth, according to Potočnik, who believes 400,000 jobs could be created by the legislation.

Recent figures from Japan show they are leading the world for recycling of plastics, with economic gains been found as a result of their extensive programmes, according to PSFK.

In 2010, 77 per cent of plastic was recycled, which is up from 73 per cent in 2006 and 39 per cent in 1996. That equates to over three-quarters of the nation's plastic waste being adequately disposed and re-used.

Stronger national inspections and better knowledge can pave the way for Europe in achieving similar gains to Japan, according to Potočnik, who will push for better data on the issue and systematic monitoring of how the laws work.

Posted by Joseph Hutton