Process objectives

The general principles laying down the legal framework for waste disposal are set out in the Council of the European Community's Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC of November 19, 2008, which sets out the main thrusts of waste management policy:

• the polluter pays principle ;

• the proximity principle: "manage waste as close as possible to where it is produced";

• extended producer responsibility.

This directive sets out the hierarchy of waste management objectives to be implemented by member state legislation:

1. prevent waste production ;

2. prepare waste for re-use ;

3. recycle them ;

4. adding value ;

5. dispose of...