Framework environmental management plan

Waste

The EU framework directive on waste, namely Directive 2008/98/EC, which sets the basic requirements, replaces the Directives 75/442/EEC on waste and 91/689/EEC on hazardous waste. It establishes a waste hierarchy that shall apply as a priority order in waste prevention and management legislation and policy, namely:

(a) prevention;

(b) preparing for re-use;

(c) recycling;

(d) other recovery, e.g. energy recovery; and

(e) disposal.

The most important requirement of the Directive is that waste is capitalized or disposed of without endangering people’s health or the environment. There is an absolute prohibition against dumping or uncontrolled disposal of waste. Member States must put in place an integrated and adequate network of disposal installations, and must dispose of waste at the nearest such installation. To this end, competent authorities must draw up and made public waste management plans. Establishments which carry out capitalization and/or recovery operations must obtain a permit from the competent authority. Such establishments must keep appropriate records, and will be subject to periodic inspection by the competent authorities. Waste holders must have waste handled by authorized waste collectors or by a firm that carries out capitalize or disposal operations.
The mixing of hazardous waste with non-hazardous waste or with other categories of hazardous waste is prohibited. Where hazardous waste is already mixed with other wastes, substances or materials, separation must be effected where technically and economically feasible. Establishments or undertakings that produce, collect, treat, capitalize, dispose of or transport hazardous waste must keep appropriate records. Hazardous waste must be properly packaged and labeled in the course of its collection, transport and temporary storage. Additionally, plans for management of hazardous waste must be drawn up and made public.
The EU also has legislation on specific waste streams, three of which are relevant to the Health Sector Reform - Improving Health System Quality and Efficiency Project.