Waste policy and sustainable use of natural resources

Waste policy

The EU waste policy aims at tackling the reduction of waste production in the Member States, which represents one of the most problematic environmental problems. To this end the European Union has approved a waste strategy as well as a series of directives dealing with different waste streams (i.e. packaging, batteries, electric and electronic equipment). Moreover, the 6th Environment Action Plan foresees a Thematic Strategy on the Prevention and Recycling of waste. SMEs are directly impacted upon by the community activities, since they operate in all sectors, both as manufacturers and service providers, contributing to waste production in the European Union. In this framework, UEAPME's believes that:

• i. the current definition of waste should be reviewed and uniformly applied throughout the Member States;
• ii. recycling should be given priority on other waste disposal methods only when it is really more environmentally-friendly and cost-effective;
• iii. reuse and recycling targets should be fixed in a realistic way taking account of the situation in the majority of the Member States.

Position Papers

• April 2008: Revision of Waste Framework Directive 75/442/EEC, 2st reading: UEAPME indications of vote on the draft recommendation for second reading Caroline Jackson and tabled amendments proposed by MEPs (Vote in the ENVI Committee on 8th April 2008)

• August 2006: Amendments proposed by UEAPME for the revision of the waste framework Directive 75/442/EEC (first reading of the European Parliament)

• July 2006: UEAPME position on the revision of the Waste Framework Directive (first reading of the European Parliament)

• October 2005: UEAPME position on revising the Waste Framework Directive

• March 2005: UEAPME's response to the consultation on the Directive on waste oils

• November 2003: UEAPME's Position on the Communication - Towards a thematic strategy on the prevention and recycling of waste

• June 2002: Amendments proposed by UEAPME for the first reading in the Environment Committee of the European Parliament on Packaging and Packaging Waste

• April 2002: Vote in Plenary of the Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment

Press releases

• 17/06/08: Waste Directive compromise less than ideal for European SMEs

• 09/04/08: Waste Directive: no targets without impact assessment, say SMEs

• 29/06/07: Council agreement on Waste Directive leaves unsolved issues on the table

• 14/02/07: Plenary vote on Waste Directive increases red tape for SMEs

• 28/11/06: Waste Directive: Committee vote leaves crucial issues unsolved

Sustainable use of natural resources

The EU action in the area of sustainable use of natural resources aims at installing new production and consumption patterns in order to reduce the current pressure on the resources of the planet, particularly the non renewable ones, and preserve them for the future generations. This action, which is part of the sustainable development strategy, will rely on a specific Thematic Strategy on the Sustainable Use of Natural Resources foreseen by the 6th Environment Action Plan. SMEs will be one of the main targets of this strategy, due to the fact that they have a direct impact on natural resources as manufacturers, as well as service providers and users. In this framework, UEAPME is convinced that:

• (i) a whole series of preliminary awareness-raising measures followed by transitional periods and financial and technical assistance strategies need to be carried out to achieve changes in the way SMEs manufacture their products and provide their services today;
• (ii) the EU strategy aimed at reducing the current impact on natural resources should go along with efforts to maintain the competitiveness and the innovation potential of European businesses.

Position Papers

• February 2004: UEAPME Position regarding the 4th Daughter Directive Ambient Air