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 …

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 »

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 »

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 …

Mais »