We need more realistic goals for European waste management

Last Tuesday, the European Parliament voted in a plenary session on the Circular Economy Package that includes the most important comprehensive modifications regarding waste management. According to Christian Democrat MEP György Hölvényi (Fidesz-KDNP), the proposals mean an important step in boosting the recycling of waste and decreasing the dumping of waste. At the same time, he emphasized that the decisions should not depart from what’s realistic because if they do, all directives will remain merely political ‘propaganda of desire’.

In the next 15 years, according to forecasts, the raw material needs of the global economy will rise by 50 percent. In the interest of restraining this unsustainable trend, the European Commission presented its Circular Economy Package in 2015 that emphasizes the constant re-use of raw materials instead of the linear model of ‘production-usage-consumption-disposal’.

The goal of the system, based on principles of recycling and re-handling, is to reform the way we look at waste, to transform it from a problem to a resource. In line with this, according to European Commission plans for 2030, 65 percent of communal waste should be recycled and municipalities should reduce their dumping ratio to 10 percent.

The European Parliament has proposed even more ambitious percentages, which, according to György Hölvényi, raises concerns that departing from reality might put the goals in jeopardy. That is why the Hungarian EPP delegation, appreciating what is realistic, has voted in favor of the facts. At the same time, the MEP emphasized the importance of ongoing education to promote environmental awareness.

Regarding the inter-institutional discussions that will take place in the coming weeks, MEP Hölvényi welcomed the chance to further emphasize the realistic Hungarian interests.