On Tuesday (January 17, 2023), the European Parliament adopted its position, requiring negotiations with EU governments on new laws to amend the EU Waste Transport Rules and Control Measures.

The revised legislation should protect the environment and human health more effectively, and at the same time make full use of the opportunities provided by solid waste recycling to achieve the objectives of the EU's circular economy and zero pollution economy.

In the passed bill, EU members explicitly support the prohibition of transporting all wastes used for solid waste disposal within the EU, unless authorized under limited and well-justified circumstances. The EU will also ban the export of hazardous wastes to non-OECD countries.

Only after non-OECD countries agree and prove that they have the ability to treat such solid wastes sustainably can EU countries export harmless solid wastes only for recycling. EU members also hope to ban the export of waste plastics to non-OECD countries and gradually stop the export of waste plastics to OECD countries within four years (by 2027).

The European Parliament calls on the EU to establish a risk-based targeting mechanism to guide EU countries in carrying out inspection work to prevent and detect illegal solid waste transportation.

After the plenary debate on Monday night (January 16, 2023), the proposal was adopted by 594 votes in favour, 5 against and 43 abstentions on Tuesday.

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comment

Pernille Weiss, an observer from Denmark, said: "We will negotiate with all EU member states with a firm position, which has just been recognized by the majority of people in the plenary meeting. We must realize" turning waste into treasure "in the European Common Market, so as to better protect our environment and competitiveness. The new bill will also make it easier for us to crack down on illegal waste disposal inside and outside the EU. In addition, according to the ban on the export of waste plastics we proposed, we are promoting the establishment of more innovative and circular economic models in those areas related to plastics. This is a real victory for the next generation. "

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next step

EU parliamentarians are preparing to start negotiations with EU member states.

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background

On November 17, 2021, the European Commission put forward a proposal to reform the EU waste transport rules. According to the source, destination and transport route of the waste, the type of solid waste transported and the disposal method of solid waste, it formulated the waste transport procedures and control measures, so that the solid waste can be implemented after arriving at the destination.

In 2020, the EU will export 32.7 million tons of solid waste to non-EU countries, accounting for about 16% of the global solid waste trade. In addition, about 67 million tons of waste are transported between EU countries every year.