El Government de Catalonia It is very clear about the serious problem that plastic represents for the environment. That is why he has launched himself on the hunt for the trash of plastic. Thus, the purpose is no longer to recycle but to reduce. What changes does the new Waste Prevention and Management Law? Let's check it out!
What does the draft of the new law consist of?
The first thing to note is the focus of the law that is being prepared. It would enter into force on January 1, 2024 after its approval and the «three Rs»: reduce, recycle, reuse; prioritize reduction. Why? Well, because recycling is not always as easy as it seems. If you reduce, you are rooting out a source of polluting waste and emissions.
That is why the new law contemplates very interesting measures. One is to prohibit food from coming in single use containers. For example, a few pieces of fruit in plastic wrap. These end in trash and they are not normally recycled as they should. Also removed are plastic bagsor single use if they are not compostable.
As if that were not enough, it ends the use of plastic in the food of the school canteens. In addition, it is very striking that as of January 1, 2004, packages of cans and bottles of beverages subject to plastic rings. These are a big problem in coastal areas as they often end up in the sea. They represent a great threat to the Marine animals they can eat them.
What other measures do you contemplate to reduce waste?
On the other hand, it is prohibited single dose containers, except for olive oil. This is another way to end overpackaging. As for plastic bags with handles, we must emphasize that in theory you must pay for them. However, there are many establishments that offer them for free.
However, the new law strictly prohibits them even in the delivery Home. In addition, the customer will have to pay for the certified compostable bag alternative. Another measure along the same lines is the veto of disposable plastic cutlery and utensils. They are difficult to manage in the hospitality industry and are rarely recycled. With this regulation the root problem is eliminated.
What happens in the stores?
It is also prohibited to distribute beverages in disposable containers in buildings and facilities administrations. Another key point in this line is the guideline for food businesses of more than Sqm 400. These will allocate at least one fifth of their sales area to offering products without primary packaging, including sales to bulk or reused containers.
The recycling problem
Regarding recycling, we must point out that as of January 1, 2025, the corresponding business sectors must guarantee that a 25% of the beverage containers marketed in the domestic sector are reusable (water, soft drinks, beer, juices). This number should be 35% for the years 2030.
To close, we refer to a more complex matter than it seems: the coffee capsules. They are almost impossible to recycle. There are even brands that lie when claiming that theirs are compostable. In the case of the new law, consumption in this format is penalized to encourage other more sustainable. Specifically, the regulations provide for a tax on coffee, tea or other infusion capsules; unless you reused or compostable.
It also contemplates taxing disposable cups and cups with this, with the exception of reused ones. There will also be another tax for disposable beverage containers for water, juices, soft drinks and beers, of any format, material and volume. Do you consider this draft to be enough or would you choose more radical measures?
