Detailed assessment of waste management plans : first batch : service request under the multiple framework contract with re-opening of competition "Assistance to the Commission on the assessment of waste management plans and on compliance monitoring and support of the implementation of the Waste Framework Directive" : final report

Proper legal implementation, application and practical enforcement of EU waste legislation are key priorities of EU environmental policy, in order to comply with the obligation of the EU Commission to ensure and oversee the application of EU legislation according to the Treaty of the European Union (TFEU). In this regard, waste management planning is one of the key tools for authorities to convert the principles of EU waste legislation at national, regional and local level within their Member State. The Member States' authorities are therefore obliged to establish in accordance with Articles 1, 4, 13 and 16 of the Waste Framework Directive (WFD) one or more waste management plans (WMP). The plans shall − alone or in combination − cover the entire geographical territory of the Member State concerned. The plan(s) shall set out an analysis of the current waste management situation in the geographical entity concerned, as well as the measures to be taken with respect to environmentally sound preparation for re-use, recycling, recovery and disposal of waste and an evaluation of how the plan will support the implementation of the objectives and provisions of the Directive. Article 28 of the WFD defines both the mandatory and optional requirements and the content of the WMP. In addition Article 29 requires the establishment of a waste prevention programme (WPP), integrated either into the WMP, into other environmental programs or as a separate programme. Furthermore, Member States shall inform the Commission of the WMP and WPP and of its revisions. The aim of the project has been to assist the Commission in the assessment of the completeness and conformity of waste management plans at national, regional and local level, as well as sectoral plans, if necessary, with the legal requirements of the Waste Framework Directive and other key EU waste legislation. The objective was to identify a list of essential gaps and provide recommendations that would ensure that these plans fulfil the requirements and objectives of the EU waste legislation. The assessment exercise has been part of a broader strategy with the objectives to improve compliance and implementation of EU waste legislation and to provide support to Member States in their efforts to improve compliance. Further, the assessment of the WMPs is an important factor to be considered in the context of applications for EU regional funding.