The European Commission proposed new regulations limiting garbage shipments from EU countries. The legislation may be good news for towns all around the world that are affected by European plastic garbage exports.
EU nations transport their garbage
Many EU nations already transport their garbage, particularly plastic waste, to countries with lax environmental rules and insufficient government control for abuses of environmental, health, and labor rights. Although plastic garbage is officially is getting there for recycling, just 9% of all plastic has been in the recycling process. Instead, it is frequently discarded or burnt, exposing neighboring communities and employees to hazardous chemicals.
The ramifications for human rights can be devastating. Toxins in plastic have a connection with increasing incidences of cancer, neurological impairment, and reproductive problems, according to research. Greenpeace discovered illegally dumped and burnt German plastic garbage near towns in Turkey earlier this year, the EU’s top importer of plastic waste in 2020. When exposed to burning plastic, people live near illegal plastic recycling plants in Malaysia. Another major importer of EU garbage, experienced breathing issues, and skin rashes. Because fossil fuels are a key component of plastics, they also contribute to climate change, which further jeopardizes human rights.
The Commission’s plan would impose harsher requirements on non-OECD exports, forcing importing nations to dispose of garbage in an “environmentally sound way.” The new law would require importing governments in OECD nations, such as Turkey, to increase oversight of recycling facilities and trade rule enforcement. In addition, the rule attempts to increase fines for illicit garbage exports and to investigate trash trafficking.
The proposed new restrictions
The proposed new restrictions, however, fall short of the EU and its member states’ treaty responsibility to decrease waste exports. Exporting garbage is also incompatible with the EU Circular Economy Action Plan. Which aims for waste avoidance and the reduction of exports outside the EU. Environmental organizations are urging EU member states to go even farther and accept full responsibility for their garbage – and the associated environmental, social, and health hazards – by prohibiting all waste exports from the EU and reducing waste.
The European Parliament and EU member states must now enhance and finalize the rule. They should seize this opportunity to advocate for more ambitious laws that are consistent with international and regional mandates. As well as to preserve the rights to health and a healthy environment for people all around the globe.