在現存法規的規範下，歐洲人每年所製造的垃圾仍越來越多，為因應此現象，歐洲議會13日通過廢棄物減量法案，其條文甚至歐盟執委會的提案版本更為嚴格。
目前在某些歐盟成員國中，高達90%的都市垃圾填埋在垃圾掩埋場，以歐洲整體而言，資源回收或堆肥再利用的比率僅達到33%。
立法人員認為這個情況不能再繼續下去，他們希望垃圾成長率在2012年之前停止攀升，並在2020年開始降低。因此，在贊成651人，反對19人，16人棄權的票數下，歐洲議會正式通過英國保守黨代表傑克森（Caroline Jackson）所提出的框架指令。
這項指令明訂垃圾減量及資源回收兩大目標，並指示歐盟27個成員國需在指令生效後的1年半之內，制定相應的國內法來執行垃圾減量計畫。
The European Parliament today tackled Europe's growing waste mountain when it strengthened the new framework legislation on waste proposed by the European Commission, the EU's executive branch.
Despite existing legislation, Europeans are producing more waste every year. Currently, in some member states, up to 90 percent of municipal waste goes to landfill sites. Europe-wide, only 33 percent of waste is recycled or composted.
The lawmakers are convinced this cannot go on. They want the upward curve to be halted in 2012 and waste production to start declining from 2020.
On a vote of 651 to 19 with 16 abstentions, Parliament today adopted a report by UK Conservative MEP Caroline Jackson on the framework directive.
The measure introduces targets for waste prevention and recycling, and directs all 27 EU member states to create national waste prevention programs within 18 months of the entry into force of the legislation, known as a framework directive.
全文及圖片詳見 ENS報導
作者
In my healing journey and learning to attain the breath awareness, I become aware of the reality that all the creatures of the world are breathing the same breath. Take action, here and now. From my physical being to the every corner of this out of balance's planet.
