By Faridat Salifu
Nigeria and 23 other non-OECD countries last Monday, made formal requests to the European Commission, asking for inclusion on the list of nations eligible to import non-hazardous waste from European.
This move marks a step by these countries in their efforts to manage waste sustainably and harness the potential for recycling and reusing materials.
Non-hazardous waste, which constitutes approximately 95.6 percent of solid waste produced in Europe, includes a variety of items.
These range from municipal waste like packaging materials, clothing, and plastic bottles to demolition debris such as concrete, bricks, stones, and organic food waste.
The ability to import this type of waste could provide economic and environmental benefits for the requesting countries, enabling them to enhance their recycling capacities and reduce landfill usage.
The requests come in accordance with the new Waste Shipments Regulation introduced under the EU’s Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan.
This regulation aims to tighten the rules governing the shipment of waste, particularly focusing on the import and export dynamics between the EU and non-OECD countries.
One of the regulation’s key provisions is the impending ban on the export of plastic waste from the EU, which is set to take effect by November 2026.
This measure reflects the EU’s commitment to reducing plastic pollution and promoting more sustainable waste management practices.
For Nigeria and the other countries seeking inclusion, the ability to import non-hazardous waste from the EU could facilitate the development of local recycling industries and help address some of the waste management challenges they currently face.
It may also foster international cooperation in waste management and sustainability efforts, aligning with global goals to combat climate change and promote a circular economy.
As these requests are considered by the European Commission, the outcome will not only impact the participating countries but also influence the EU’s approach to global waste management, especially in the context of its environmental commitments and policies. END