2. Background to the restrictive measures

2.1 20th century paradigm: prevention and eco-design

• 1975–: the first rules on pollution prevention

  Directive 75/442 of July 15, 1975, on waste in general, is the cornerstone of the framework established by Europe to regulate waste management in Member States in order to:

  • to protect human health and the environment;

  • to avoid barriers to economic trade within the European Union's single market (preventing a country from refusing to allow a product to be imported into its territory on the grounds that it does not comply with...