The new legislation, overwhelmingly approved in the European Parliament on Tuesday, will fully enforce the ban on exporting plastic waste to non-OECD countries starting January 1, 2025. This step aims to ensure that plastic waste is processed within the EU, rather than being exported to countries with less strict environmental standards.
The goal is also to promote the circular economy and reduce plastic use through recycling and reuse, alongside a ban on single-use plastic packaging.
Dutch Member of the European Parliament Bas Eickhout (GroenLinks) responded: “For years, we have known that the European export of plastic causes major environmental problems in other countries, which often do not have the capacity to process that plastic. After a long struggle, there is now an end in sight and this practice will stop.”
The European Commission had earlier proposed stopping plastic exports to developing countries but left room for exports to more developed countries. Eickhout said: “In practice, however, we see that much plastic is shipped to countries like Turkey and then forwarded elsewhere. This means we are still shifting our problems. The new law therefore includes checks to ensure this also stops.”
The legislation is part of a broader package of measures intended to reduce plastic use and encourage reuse. “If we are serious about a circular economy, we cannot continue dumping plastic in other countries. This requires greater commitment to recycling but also offers opportunities. Because used plastic will no longer be waste, but one of the new raw materials in a sustainable economy.”
EU countries had already agreed to the deal earlier, allowing the legislation to take effect later this year. The measure is welcomed by environmental groups, who hope it will help reduce plastic pollution in the oceans and ease environmental pressure.