Directive 2008/98/EC on waste and repealing certain Directives

Overview

This Directive lays down measures to protect the environment and human health by preventing or reducing the adverse impacts of the generation and management of waste and by reducing overall impacts of resource use and improving the efficiency of such use. The following waste hierarchy shall apply as a priority order in waste prevention and management legislation and policy:

• prevention;
• prepare for re-use;
• recycling;
• other recovery; and
• disposal.

Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that waste management is carried out without endangering human health, without harming the environment and, in particular:

• without risk to water, air, soil, plants or animals;
• without causing a nuisance through noise or odours; and
• without adversely affecting the countryside or places of special interest.