Demand for Expansion of Single-Use Deposit
The deposit system for single-use plastic bottles and cans, which has been in effect since January 1, promotes returns instead of disposal in nature. A report from Global 2000 states that the system could reach the target rate of 80 percent in its first year. By 2027, the return rate should be 90 percent. The collected materials enable the production of new PET bottles and aluminum cans.
Expansion of the Deposit System to Dairy Products, Tetra Paks, and Alcoholic Beverages Demanded
"Increasing collection and recycling rates are not enough," say the environmentalists: "An expansion of reusable solutions is necessary." They therefore want an extension of the deposit system to Tetra Paks (composite packaging made of cardboard, plastic, and aluminum) and single-use glass, as well as the removal of exceptions for alcoholic beverages and milk. According to EU regulations, packaging waste in Austria must decrease by seven percent by 2030. "If this is not achieved, there is a risk of infringement proceedings and, in the worst case, a lawsuit at the European Court of Justice with heavy fines," warn the environmentalists.
Ban on Single-Use E-Cigarettes and Short-Lived Clothing Demanded
They also wish for a ban on single-use e-cigarettes (disposable vapes). They contain small lithium-ion batteries and become "dangerous electronic waste after 500 to 600 puffs," says Anna Leitner (Global 2000): "Although these devices should actually be collected as electronic waste, they mostly end up in general waste." This leads to a fire hazard and wastes valuable raw materials like lithium.
She also wishes for a law against short-lived fashion clothing. "Fast fashion and ultra-fast fashion cause significant environmental impacts," it was said: "Clothing is produced under sometimes problematic working conditions at low prices, quickly brought to market, and just as quickly disposed of." According to a study by the Chamber of Labor, Austrians wear a quarter of the purchased clothing rarely or never. If it were not produced, bought, and disposed of, it would save resources, money, and reduce waste volumes.
The waste problem in Austria was called "serious" by the expert: "It was triggered, among other things, by the consistently high consumption of raw materials, a boom in single-use products that are not or only difficult to recycle, and increasing imports of cheap goods." The waste volume in this country has risen from 437 kilograms per year per person to 782 kilograms over the past 30 years, reported Leitner: "This makes Austria have the highest municipal waste volume in the EU."
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.