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
August 2009:
UEAPME’s position on the recasting of the WEEE and RoHS Directives
October 2005:
UEAPME position on the revision of 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
01/04/2002:
Vote in Plenary of the Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
Press releases
19/01/2012:
Electronic waste: Parliament vote far from being ideal, warn SMEs
04/10/2011:
Electronic waste: SMEs disappointed by Parliament’s committee vote
03/02/2011:
E-waste: UEAPME praises Parliament’s limits to collection duties for micro companies
17/06/2008:
Waste Directive compromise less than ideal for European SMEs
09/04/2008:
Waste Directive: no targets without impact assessment, say SMEs
29/06/2007:
Council agreement on Waste Directive leaves unsolved issues on the table
07/02/2007:
Plenary vote on Waste Directive increases red tape for SMEs
28/11/2006:
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
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