Implementation plans

It is not by accident that the waste sector was the very first sector for which a systematic planned approach was conceived and adopted. The need for planned policy especially rose from practical problems with waste disposal and an inadequate approach. The Flemish Government drew up one waste plan every five years. First, mainly as a waste disposal plan, then with more emphasis on collecting and preventing waste.

The need for harmonization, coordination and integration gave rise to innovative waste policy planning. This policy is now taking shape in the form of a consistent 'system of plans.' There is no more need for a separate waste plan. On a strategic level, the waste policy is now fully integrated with the Environmental Policy Plan. The annual environmental programme and the various implementation plans for waste policy flesh out the waste policy at an operational or implementation level. In addition, of course, the provincial and municipal environmental policy plans, too, provide a local interpretation of the waste policy.

What are implementation plans?

The legal status and the political significance of an implementation plan are embedded in the Waste Decree (articles 36 and 37). Therefore we use only the specific name "implementation plan" when it meets the provisions of the decree.

Sectoral implementation plans for each sector refer to concrete projects, activities regarding prevention, recovery and removal of waste and to specific waste categories.

OVAM prepares the draft plan and seeks the advice of the stakeholders; the Flemish Government obtains advice and finalizes the plan. The major involvement of third parties during preparation and execution is an important aspect. An implementation organization is set up for each plan, to work on follow-up, evaluation and adjustment of the policy.

The provisions of the implementation plans for each sector apply to the administrative governments of the Flemish Region, the provinces, the municipalities and the public or private law administrations charged with public purpose tasks regarding waste policy, except where this is expressly noted in these plans. In these cases this is for informational purposes only. Deviation from the binding provisions is only allowed by means of decisions of the Flemish Government, if there is good reason to do so.

The period during which the sectoral implementation plans are valid, is set down in each plan separately. A programme of action for most plans is drawn up on an annual basis. Every other year, a progress report is compiled.

Why implementation plans?

Because the guidelines provided by the Environmental Policy Plan and the legislation are rather general in nature, implementation plans can play an important additional role. If persistent, specific or complex problems with certain waste material flows or processing method can only be solved through planning and if they need societal testing, then implementation plans are recommended. An implementation plan is a structuring tool: it organizes, lists all the points and provides a good link between policy intentions and implementation. Implementation plans also allow for working more market-oriented, and therefore also more flexibly, allowing for a quick response to changing circumstances. All of this makes the waste policy more practical and more effective.

Which implementation plans?

Current implementation plans

Implementation plans in the decision making stage

  • Implementation plan dredging and debris removal

Additions to implementation plans

  • Reports of participation and advice
  • Progress (and evaluation) reports and annual programmes
  • Background documentation