Overview

An overriding value of European legislation on waste management is the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) principle. For example, all economic operators placing packaging onto the EU market are responsible for its proper management and recovery. However, in general, the collection and treatment of urban waste is the responsibility of local authorities. It has therefore been necessary to establish a system of financial compensations between producers and waste management operators. Analysing the legal and institutional schemes of several member states and accounting for all the costs and benefits to their local authorities due to selective collection and sorting, this book provides an accurate illustration of how the EPR principle has be translated into practice. Firstly the authors examine whether the industry is paying for the net financial cost of 'preparation for recycling' activities or if the extra-costs of recycling are being recovered via the sale of sorted materials, by the consumer through higher prices or by citizens in general through higher taxes. Secondly, by monetizing the net environmental benefits attained with the recycling system, the book discusses the success and Value-for-Money (VfM) of the EU’s recycling policy. In other words: what is the economic rate of return of the enhanced environmental protection achieved due to the fulfilment of recovery and recycling targets?

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9781138546875

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'Today, European packaging waste management is at the top of policy agendas. By comparing countries at different stages of maturity in this area Marques and Da Cruz develop an institutional and regulatory framework. In addition, the costs and benefits of waste management options are evaluated. This gives interesting insights into the complex relations between (local) authorities, industry and consumers, and allows the authors to offer policy recommendations for extending producer responsibility and environmental awareness.' Raymond Gradus, VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands 'Marques and Cruz offer a deep, clear and comprehensive overview of how European countries progress on packaging recycling under EU specific directives. Supported by qualified information and analyses produced under the EIMPACK international research project, relevant issues such as the optimal level of recycling are addressed through economic analysis of specific countries' cases. Essential reading for sectoral policy makers.' Marcos Montenegro, engineer, ME, public services regulator, Brazil

Author Information

Rui Cunha Marques is Full Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Georesources at Instituto Superior Técnico (IST) at the University of Lisbon, Portugal and a Research Fellow at the Centre of Urban and Regional Systems (CESUR). Nuno Ferreira da Cruz is a Research Fellow at LSE Cities, London School of Economics and Political Science, UK.

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