Europeans pilot waste reduction scheme

Cities and regions across Europe are acting to highlight the problem of waste this week as part of a pilot initiative to reduce rubbish.


The pilot European Waste Reduction Week, which runs until Sunday, is meant to prepare the ground for the first official version which will take place in 2009.

Cities including Dublin and Brussels, regions such as Catalonia and Pamplona, and countries including France and Italy are taking part this week.

ACR+ (The Association of Cities and Regions for Recycling and Sustainable Resource Management) is one of the driving forces behind this week’s pilot.

It said it wanted the initiative to gather waste prevention organisations together, create a momentum behind the idea, and highlight the connection between waste and the sustainable consumption of resources.

In a statement, ACR+ chiefs said: “From November 22 to 30, Europe will dance to the tune of waste reduction.

“Citizens, businesses, schools, shops, political authorities – a whole panel of actors who will get the opportunity to take part in waste reduction actions.”

They added: “It goes without saying, from November 22 to 30, our waste bins will tremble.”

Brussels, in Belgium, is among the areas taking part. The city’s environment department has launched a challenge to encourage pen pushers in public organisations to reduce their paper use, and is organising open days in second-hand shops for residents.

In Italy a group of bodies are organising the first ever Italian Waste Reduction Week, to support the initiative.

Officials in Ireland are set to announce the nationwide expansion of the Free TRADE reuse campaign launched by Dublin city.

Kate Martin

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