Commission on landfills

The European Commission has marked today’s (July 16) deadline for sub-standard landfill sites by reminding member states to remind them of their obligation to bring such facilities in line or shut them down.

Member countries had eight years to make sure all landfill sites complied with EU rules and any nations found to have breached the legislation could face legal action.
And from this week, member states are also required to cut the amount of biodegradable municipal waste sent to landfills to half of their 1995 levels. Biodegradable waste currently accounts for about 40% of all the municipal waste across Europe.

Bulgaria, Poland and Romania have all been given extended deadlines.

Data collected in 2008 revealed there are 1,600 sub-standard landfills across Europe.
In the past, the Commission has brought legal action over sub-standard landfills against Spain, France, Italy, Ireland and Greece.

“Mismanaged and uncontrolled landfills are a hazard to human health and the environment,” said European Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas.

“As of today, these should be a thing of the past. Member states have had eight years to ensure their landfills meet EU standards. It is their duty to guarantee the highest levels of protection to citizens and the environment.”

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Last Updated: 22/07/2009 09:41:02 By Katherine Hitchcock