Incineration classed as recovery

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have backed proposals to class incineration as 'recovery' under the Revised Waste Framework Directive.

The decision came at a meeting of Environment Committee in April, where MEPs considered amendments to the Waste Framework Directive under its second reading in the European Parliament, after Members were divided over whether incineration should be regarded as a 'disposal' or a 'recovery' operation the first time around.

In the end, MEPs backed a decision to classify it as recovery, provided it met a certain standard of energy efficiency, set through a formula, and that the formula should be reviewed within two years of the Directive's entry into force.

The move has been criticised by the Global Anti-Incinerator Alliance and healthcare campaign body, HCWHE for undermining recycling. Joan-Marc Simon, Waste Policy Advisor for both organisations, said: "The decision is subtle, but important: by rewarding so-called 'efficient' incinerators with the status of recovery operations, more waste will be burned rather than less.

"Recycling rates of 60-85 per cent are being achieved in many communities, and more and more evidence is coming to light showing that recycling is better for the environment than even the most efficient forms of incineration."