EWWR 2013 to include recycling

The European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR) has seen its programme of action updated for 2013.

Four years into its existence, EWWR (16-24 November), aims to raise awareness of resource efficiency and the circular economy, whilst changing the behaviour of Europeans regarding waste management by extending its scope to include recycling initiatives across Europe. The drive will reportedly focus on countries where rates and awareness remain particularly low.

According to Eurostat, rates between member states range from one per cent to 60 per cent waste recycled, whilst the average EU inhabitant generates 503kg of waste annually, with only 40 per cent recycled or composted. Under the European Commission’s Waste Framework Directive, all member states will need to recycle 50 per cent of household waste by 2020.

Extension of communication actions

The European project co-ordinator, ACR+ (the Association of Cities and Regions for Recycling and Sustainable Waste Management), has also announced that new communication tools will be released to help communicate the message of the ‘three R’s’ (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle). These will be implemented to reach specific audiences including administrations, businesses and schools.

Likewise, EWWR continues its expansion by introducing new events: ‘Let’s Clean Up Europe’ day will be implemented on 10 May 2014, along with other ‘Prevention Thematic Days’ to raise awareness of the uglier side of waste and encourage collaboration.

Continued emphasis on Reduction and Reuse

As a ‘federative project’, EWWR will be implemented under the coordination of 35 national or regional public administrations - or bodies acting on their behalf - in 19 countries and involves 25,000 communications actions.

From its conception in 2009,  EWWR has focused on waste prevention, which remains the highest priority in the European waste management hierarchy.

The focus on reduction and reuse will remain, as the EWWR’s philosophy entails that ‘it makes more sense to avoid or reduce waste at the source than to have to deal with it after it has ended up in our garbage bins’.

Accordingly, Prevention Thematic Days will feature strongly across Europe during the Week. These aim to put important stakeholders under the spotlight, including actors from the social economy like the European network RREUSE. The first, in 2013, will focus on reuse and will promote actions such as second-hand markets, repair workshops and swap parties, among others.

Read more about EWWR.