Packaging and packaging waste

This report from the Commission aims to inform other Community institutions, Member States and the public about the implementation of EU waste legislation over the period 2001 to 2003. In particular, it examines the following specific directives :

-          Directive 75/442/EEC on waste;

-          Directive 91/689/EEC on hazardous waste;

-          Directive 75/439/EEC on waste oils;

-          Directive 86/278/EEC on sewage sludge;

-          Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste;

-          Directive 1999/31/EC on the landfill of waste.

The report is based on information provided by the Member States and is accompanied by a Commission staff working document which gives a more detailed account of the information and data received from them.

Overall, in spite of the progress made, implementation of EU waste still cannot be considered satisfactory, as demonstrated by the large number of infringement procedures concerning waste. Significant efforts therefore need to be made towards full implementation, especially in the form of promoting waste prevention and recycling. These issues in particular are now addressed by the recently adopted EU Thematic Strategy on waste prevention and recycling, which focuses on the environmental impact of waste and on life cycle thinking in waste management.