MEPs reject green 'rebranding' of incineration
14 February 2007
EURO-MPs in Strasbourg today roundly rejected proposals to 're-brand' wasteincineration as an environmentally-friendly alternative to landfill.
The revision of the EU's Waste Framework Directive, which establishes ahierarchy of techniques with reduction, reuse and recycling as preferable toburial or incineration, was adopted with a massive majority: 647 votes infavour and just 21 against with 19 abstentions.
Green MEP Caroline Lucas, the group's 'shadow rapporteur' on the proposals,said:
"Today's vote is great news for the environment as it clearly establishesthe principle that we must reduce the amount of waste we produce - in linewith the Green Party's commitment to adopting a 'zero-waste' strategy, ashas been successfully implemented in parts of Canada and Australia - andplaces reuse and recycling at the heart of strategies for dealing with theever-worsening waste crisis we face.
"The root of the waste problem is clearly ever-increasing waste generation:the average European is responsible for 534 kilos of household waste peryear. We welcome the call by MEPs for the stabilisation of the levels ofwaste generation by 2012, based on 2008 levels. Reducing our waste must bethe ultimate goal and it is crucial that we start to stem the amount ofwaste we generate.
"The decision by MEPs to reject an amendment which would have reclassifiedwaste incineration is an important step for the environment too: re-brandingincineration as a means of recovery rather than waste disposal could createthe impression that burning our rubbish is environmentally-friendly, whichit clearly is not. "
Dr Lucas, Euro-MP for South-East England, added: "All waste that can bereused or recycled should be and MEPs have underlined that this must be thefocus of waste management in the EU. We clearly need strict standards toensure the utmost efficiency of those incinerators that do exist butincineration must only be considered as one of the last options fordisposing of the remaining waste."
ENDS For more information please contact Ben on 01273 671946, 07973 823358 orben@greenmeps.org.ukwww.carolinelucasmep.org.uk
