On 20th September 2011 the European Commission published their Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe, including a milestone that by 2020 “Energy recovery is limited to non recyclable materials, landfilling is virtually eliminated and high quality recycling is ensured”.
The 2020 Milestone for “Turning waste into a resource” is as follows:
By 2020, waste is managed as a resource. Waste generated per
capita is in absolute decline. Recycling and re-use of waste are
economically attractive options for public and private actors due to
widespread separate collection and the development of functional
markets for secondary raw materials. More materials, including
materials having a significant impact on the environment and
critical raw materials, are recycled. Waste legislation is fully
implemented. Illegal shipments of waste have been eradicated.
Energy recovery is limited to non recyclable materials, landfilling is
virtually eliminated and high quality recycling is ensured.
According to Friends of the Earth Europe the plan “contains some welcome commitments” but “does not go far enough to end the region’s over-consumption of the world’s water, land and other materials” (see press release).
Click here to read the European Commission’s Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe.