Box 36C The EU strategic discussion plan

A new approach to waste prevention, re-use, and recycling as the priority options of the EU strategy on waste management is being considered by the European Commission (CEC, 1990a; 1990b). The aim of the new approach is to develop measures that help change the behaviour of the actors involved in the waste generation­handling­management chain. The involvement of these actors takes place through an interactive process called 'strategic discussion', bringing in independent facilitators to supervise the process. Participants in the strategic discussion include: the European Commission, representatives of Member State governments and regional local authorities, industrial and agricultural organisations, trade, consumers' and environmental groups, and research institutes. The aim of the discussion is to examine priority waste streams, identify the measures to be taken, and develop an implementation plan.

The new approach is currently being tested by the European Commission on a number of selected waste streams: used tyres, scrap cars, chlorinated solvents, electronic, construction, hospital waste and sewage sludge.

Some European countries have adopted a direct approach to waste minimisation in their national environmental policy by establishing targets and product regulations aimed at cutting priority waste streams. The Netherlands National Environmental Policy Plan (NEPP, 1990), for example, establishes that high priority waste streams are to be screened and measures will be drafted and implemented in partnership with target groups to reduce selected waste streams by specific deadlines.