European Parliament demands export ban for plastic waste

ENDS Europe – 17 January 2023 – A commanding majority of MEPs want to strengthen EU rules on the transport of waste beyond reforms proposed by the European Commission, with a total prohibition on plastic exports, and stricter rules for hazardous materials. Lawmakers adopted on Tuesday by 594 vote to five, with 43 abstentions, a report authored by EPP group member Pernille Weiss on a bill to reform the Waste Shipment Regulation (WSR) which will form the basis of subsequent negotiations with the EU Council. Their report calls for an immediate end, in the case of non-OECD countries, to the practice of sending plastic abroad for disposal or recycling, with exports to the 38-strong group of rich nations to be phased out over four years.