EU states still falling short on waste recycling targets, auditors find
Each EU resident generates over 500kg of rubbish annually, yet many member states are failing to meet recycling targets and continue dumping too much waste in landfills, due to funding shortages and poor planning, according to a new report from the European Court of Auditors.
The report, published on Wednesday (26 November), found that progress toward a circular economy varies dramatically across the bloc, with some member states making little or no progress.
“Proper waste management contributes to the preservation of our environment and public health, and proper separation of waste is crucial, if we want to reuse materials or be able to recycle them,” said Stef Blok, the auditor responsible for the report at a press conference.
Under EU law, member states should have ensured 55 percent of municipal waste is available for re-use or recycling by 2025.
