FEAD offers help in meeting European targets

The Brussels-based European Waste Management Association (FEAD) has pledged the commitment of the private sector waste management industry to help out-of-compliance European Union nations meet EU recycling targets.

The statement from FEAD comes on the heels of a European Commission report indicating more than half of EU countries (sometimes known as member states) are behind in achieving one or more recycling or landfill diversion target, including a packaging recycling target with a 2025 deadline.

The Early Warning Report (EWR) published in early June indicates just nine of the 27 EU member states are projected to meet the targets of preparing for reuse and recycling 55 percent of all municipal waste (MSW) and the recycling of 65 percent of all discarded packaging by 2025.

The FEAD says the same findings raise concerns that the objective of recycling 60 percent of MSW by 2030 may be at risk.

To delve into the report’s findings, FEAD says it will hold an event July 6 featuring Aurel Ciobanu-Dordea, the European Commission director of circular economy.

The event, “How to make the circular economy work? A new alliance between the waste management sector and the manufacturing industry,” has been designed to bring together industry experts, policymakers and stakeholders for discussions on the potential role of collaboration between the waste management and manufacturing industries.

Also at the event, FEAD will present its strategic vision for the future of the waste management industry for the upcoming years.

FEAD says it agrees with the EC that high capture rates and the quality of separate collection are essential preconditions for preparing for reuse and recycling. “The waste management industry is ready to cooperate with national and local authorities and make all necessary investments to enhance recycling rates, but a robust legislative framework that creates a stable market for recycled materials is essential,” the group states.