The Belgian government‘‘s plans to impose a tax on non-refillable containers have twice been ruled discriminatory and annulled by the Belgian Court of Arbitration. Europen reports that the Belgian government‘‘s response has been to introduce a revised tax, now also applicable on refillable beverage containers, which took effect on 10 …
Mais »UK – surveys reveal mixed attitudes to work waste
Individuals should not be held responsible for environmentally friendly initiatives in the workplace, research has revealed. 70% of office workers polled … Some 70% of office workers polled by the ‘‘Green Initiatives‘‘ survey say the responsibility lies with company directors, facilities or office managers. Recycling & Waste World reports that …
Mais »Italy: ban on non-biodegradable plastic bags
Like France, Italy has passed a law providing for non-biodegradable plastic bags to be banned from 2010. Europen reports that a draft Decree to implement this measure is expected to be notified to the European Commission before the summer. The 2007 Finance Act also includes provision for a tax on …
Mais »Germany – waste managers say Germans are number one in recycling
An interesting profile from Deutsche Welle agency. Separating packaging from trash is no easy matter. Some people say no one likes to separate their trash as much as Germans — even troops stationed in Afghanistan are reported to separate their rubbish. It‘‘s a characteristic that pleases trash management companies. Separating …
Mais »Japan – Government approves bill to amend food recycling law
In March, the Japanese Cabinet approved a bill containing proposed amendments to the Food Recycling Law. Japan for Sustainability reports that the bill aims to promote food recycling in the retail and restaurant industries by strengthening administrative guidance and supervision, and also by streamlining food recycling systems. In these industries, …
Mais »Japan – Mottainai‘ delivery service promotes community reuse effort
Japan for Sustainability reports that the "Mottainai Delivery" programme is an initiative in Shimane Prefecture to transport "mottainai" goods (things which are deemed still useful but discarded) to places where they can be used. This initiative has been well-received in the project area since it started in June 2006. The …
Mais »Europe – progress still slow on vehicle recycling, study shows
Four years after its entry into force, the implementation of the End-Of-Life Vehicles (ELV) Directive is still beset by significant problems. EurActiv reports that, according to a new study, complex administrative requirements and reluctance by some members states to impose additional costs on automakers are among the main stumbling blocks. …
Mais »USA – studies report on degradable and compostable plastics
The California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) has published two interesting consultation draft reports exploring plastics which can be composted or degraded. Degradable Plastics Study (still under consultation) CIWMB launched a study on June, 2005 on degradable products (those not specifically designed to degrade in a compost facility per ASTM …
Mais »Belgium: ecotax thrown out by Belgian Court
The Belgian government‘‘s plans to impose a tax on non-refillable containers have twice been ruled discriminatory and annulled by the Belgian Court of Arbitration. Europen reports that the Belgian government‘‘s response has been to introduce a revised tax, now also applicable on refillable beverage containers, which took effect on 10 …
Mais »UK – surveys reveal mixed attitudes to work waste
Individuals should not be held responsible for environmentally friendly initiatives in the workplace, research has revealed. 70% of office workers polled … Some 70% of office workers polled by the ‘‘Green Initiatives‘‘ survey say the responsibility lies with company directors, facilities or office managers. Recycling & Waste World reports that …
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