International Review of Waste Management Policy - Department of ...

Figure 15-3: Belgian Packaging Waste Generation per Capita, 1997-2006
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
277
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
Source: European Environment Agency, 2009
15.5.1.2 Environmental Benefits of Recycling
In Flanders, the following collection scheme for household packaging is in place:
� Glass: voluntary deposit, sorted by colour, approximately one site per 1,000
inhabitants;
� PMD (plastic bottles and flasks, metal packaging and drink cartons): door-todoor
collection, twice a month, transparent blue bag (which enables
contaminants to be easily identified), with subsequent sorting into several
waste segments; and
� Mixed paper and cardboard (packaging and waste paper): door-to-door
collection
To complement the above, all waste streams can also be collected via CA sites.
International Review of Waste Policy: Annexes
Belgium
It was decided to collect only that which is recyclable. This ensures a homogeneous
waste stream, provides sufficient quantity of recyclables which meets high quality
standards, and ensures continuity of supply. The possibility of recycling mixed plastics
was investigated, but it was found that the benefits were insufficient to justify the
additional costs involved, i.e. it would increase overall recycling rates by 5% to 8%, but
would incur an overall additional cost of 60% to 70%.
Table 15-3 and Table 15-4 show that the recycling and recovery targets in Belgium
are much more ambitious than the ones set across Europe (Directive 94/62/EC on
packaging waste). Nevertheless, these targets were already surpassed in 2006. 294
294 IVCIE (2007) Annual Report.
EU15