Environment Agency director Luc Zwank says Luxembourg’s upcoming national waste plan will push for less waste and higher recycling, while also preparing for possible EU-mandated bottle deposit rules.
Luc Zwank, director of Luxembourg's Environment Agency, on Friday discussed the country's national waste plan with RTL Radio. A new national waste plan is in the works, with a view to be completed by the end of the year. One of its central goals is to reduce the overall volume of Luxembourg's waste by focusing more heavily on recycling, producing less packaging waste, and continuing to raise public awareness.
In 2019, Luxembourg adopted a "zero-waste" strategy under the previous coalition government, and there are a number of EU directives to follow in addition to this. However, as it stands, the Grand Duchy has a relatively high consumption rate per capita in comparison to other European countries, although this is partly due to the calculation method used.
However, Zwank said Brussels would be acknowledging the strives made by Luxembourg in waste management.
Read also – Waste disposal regulations should not go beyond EU requirements: Chamber of Commerce
Room for improvement
One of the major challenges facing Luxembourg, according to Zwank, is waste collection and what gets thrown away. The most recent analysis on residual waste in 2021/2022 showed around half the contents of Luxembourg's black household waste bins – from organic waste, to cardboard, paper, or even glass – could be recycled, as all these materials have existing recycling channels
However, in more positive news, the total volume of residual waste decreased by 16% from 2015 to 2022, according to Zwank. A new analysis of residual waste is currently underway, with the results expected to be available before the end of the year.
Luxembourg also has room for improvement when it comes to disposing of or recycling electrical appliances and personal devices. Zwank explained that many people keep old phones or laptops lying around at home, either for sentimental reasons, or because they simply do not know how to dispose of them without putting personal data at risk.
Zwank said electrical items in particular have excellent potential for repair or reuse through individual components. He indicated a need to raise more awareness and provide more education on the topic.
Bottle deposit system could be introduced in Luxembourg
European packaging rules stipulate that 80% of waste plastic must be collected by 2026 and 90% by 2029, otherwise member states will have to introduce a deposit system for plastic bottles and cans. This means Luxembourg could also introduce such a system, similar to the programmes already established in Germany or the Netherlands.
At present, the Grand Duchy is falling short of its targets in this area. Collection rates are currently between 60 and 75%, said Zwank, meaning a future deposit system could not be ruled out.
Although Luxembourg cannot complete this alone, it could work with neighbouring countries to develop a system compatible across borders, as many of the bottles and cans sold in the Grand Duchy are imported.
This has been met with criticism from an economic point of view and a number of people have shown reticence to adopt this system when submitting opinions on the new national waste plan. The Environment Agency is aware of the conflicted opinions, Zwank said, adding that talks were already underway within the sector and that they were aware of the issues a deposit system could create in a country like Luxembourg.
The national waste plan is still in the consultation phase. Anyone may submit their feedback until 1 October. The final result will be passed on to the government council in late autumn.
