Waste Framework Directive

Of the 120 amendments proposed by the European Parliament in its first reading, the Commission accepted in full, in part or in principle 48; with 54 being incorporated either verbatim or in spirit, the common position.

The Commission accepted all amendments which sought to clarify definitions usefully, or where new definitions were added.

Amendments that:

• clarified the notion of a five step waste hierarchy;
• clarified the principle of producer responsibility; and
• that introduced further recycling and re-use targets

were accepted by the Commission.

The Commission did not accept amendment which:

• narrowed the scope of the Directive;
• weakened the environmental protection offered by the Directive;
• created disproportionate administrative burdens (such as amendments relating to the definition of recovery or the hazardous waste elements);
• changed entries in the annexes that are subject to international agreements.

The Council has agreed to incorporate in spirit most of the Parliamentary amendments relating to by-products, producer responsibility, the polluter pays principle and additional definitions. On a final point, the Commission considers the common position to be in conformity with both the approach and aims of the initial proposal and can there accept it as it stands.