A market for recycled materials

Both the Flemish and the European waste policy are aimed at moving towards a 'Recycling Society'. However, this 'Recycling Society' must be stimulated further. Moreover, the policy should not only encourage recycling, but also the market for recycled materials.

In the middle of 2006 the OVAM started with a thorough analysis of the (local) market for compost, building materials, glass, wood, paper and cardboard, metals, rubber and plastic. The aim was to obtain a package of measures to increase the market for these recycled materials. This market is situated, certainly for waste streams as plastics, paper and cardboard, metals, etc... in a fast evolving world economy.  

For each of these streams, the OVAM made an analysis with an action plan based on:

• an analysis of the Flemish situation. To this end, we called on the expertise of different experts within and outside the OVAM.
• an inventory of measures and instruments that stimulate the market in the countries surrounding us. We specifically looked at what initiatives and measures are in force in Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Great-Britain, Sweden and France.
• the results of a round table conference on 14.12.2006 which focussed on the streams of compost and digestate, secondary aggregates and plastics.

In addition to the recommendations per stream, a set of general measures has been drawn up which the OVAM can introduce in order to come to an integrated approach to waste materials. These recommendations are ordered according to the different steps in the chain:

• design for recycling;
• keep guaranteeing a high degree of purity of the recyclable materials collected;
• create a stable and clear legal framework for recycling companies;
• promote innovation and processing technology;
• achieve equality between raw materials and recycled materials;
• look for tax incentives for the sale of product produced of recycled materials;
• make the government into an example;
• continue raising awareness of the recycling process among citizens.

With this publication, the OVAM continues to encourage the use of recycled materials.