Most EU Countries Miss Deadline for New Recycling Rules

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The European Union said most of its member countries had failed to introduce new EU recycling rules by a Thursday deadline. Only five of the EU's 25 members have passed laws forcing at least half of all packaging waste to be recycled by 2008, far higher than previous targets.

BRUSSELS, Belgium — The European Union said most of its member countries had failed to introduce new EU recycling rules by a Thursday deadline.


Only five of the EU's 25 members have passed laws forcing at least half of all packaging waste to be recycled by 2008, far higher than previous targets, the European Commission said.


Countries that fail to draft national legislation risk legal action and, eventually, a fine.


The European Commission said the rules should cut the amount of waste that goes to landfill dumps and incinerators every year.


"Currently, every European citizen is, directly or indirectly, responsible for the creation of close to half a kilogram of packaging waste per day. Much of this packaging waste can be recycled," the Commission said.


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Only Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Luxembourg and Britain have introduced national laws to meet EU minimum targets to recycle 60 percent of glass bottles and jars, 60 percent of paper wrappings, 50 percent of metal packaging and 22.5 percent of plastic packaging by 2008.


Greece, Ireland, Portugal and the EU's ten new members have more time to reach the targets.


Source: Associated Press