ABSTRACT
The need for a European Community (EC) environmental policy was first announced in 1972. Following this declaration the First Community Action Programme on the Environment was approved in 1973. Until that time the actions were reactive to existing problems. Legislative interventions like standards, controls, and prohibitions were favored. Even if the legislative approach still dominates, the trend has since the 1980s, been toward a more comprehensive environmental policy [1]. Precautionary principles, preventive actions, and “polluter pays” principles are the present objectives of the Community policy. In waste management this means that waste generation should be reduced by improving product design. Reuse and materials recycling are favored, and more responsibility is assigned to producers.
