Recycling in the OECD and european communities

This paper describes the history of environmental policy in the Common Market of Europe and its influence on the national policy of the nine member states. Also included is a survey of the environmental policy in the OECD, particularly in the field of waste management. Illustrated are the reasons for stagnation in the preparation of an environmental policy for packaging. A new plan of work should be drawn up based on the European Commission (EC) action programme on the environment and the action programme on packaging (given in the appendix), but now paying more attention to strict procedures. In pursuit of environmental interests, re-utilization and the prevention of the generation of waste should be taken into account when preparing Common Market policies in other fields. An integrated approach is suggested for packaging. For instance, with the EC Directives on labelling, prepackaging according to volume for certain liquids, price indication, etc., it is possible to reach environmental aims.