Mrs Cristina Narbona Ruiz

According to you, what are the main issues in waste policies today : in Europe, and/or in your country?

Without a doubt, at the core of everything the issue being discussed is the problem of ever increasing waste generation in all European countries, something which we have been unable to stop. This is a proven situation that compels us all to take extra measures to reinforce those taken in the past. Accomplishments in this field up until now, which must be acknowledged, have not been enough: more needs to be done. Together with this fundamental problem, which is the root of many others, it is necessary to stress the need to legally define certain concepts that have, in practise, sometimes given rise to ambiguity and dysfunction. I am referring to concrete definitions, to a legal-technical clarification of terms such as recovery, energy recovery, disposal etc. During the last few years, and largely as a result of European legislation relating to waste, there has been a significant improvement in technology for the recovery of the various types of waste, and so it is not surprising that some current regulations, which were conceived in the past in very different circumstances, need to be adapted to these advances.

I think that prevention should not only be the utmost priority in the hierarchy but it should also be a central idea, the basis for all environmental policies and, in particular, those relating to waste. It is clear that there is ample opportunity for prevention: to not produce waste or to produce less harmful or more recyclable waste. These measures are of a widespread nature: technology, consumption policies etc. Waste production is, fundamentally, an indication of industrial inefficiency or unsustainable consumption. As authorities we have the responsibility to convince producers and consumers of the widespread advantages that we can all achieve from ambitious preventative policies.

Do you believe that this European regulation is moving in the right direction?

For the most part, yes, I think it is heading in the right direction, although some specific issues should be outlined. I think it is a good idea to insist on, among other things, prevention, planning, improvement of the legal clarity of documents, promotion of recycling, minimization of disposal, validation of the five stage waste hierarchy principle, promotion of clean technology and expansion of the producer responsibility principle. However, we are concerned about certain other proposals that we do not consider to be very ambitious, such as the provision for biodegradable waste in the Commission’s proposal. In our opinion, in some cases, such as that of the management of used industrial oil, the proposal represents a step backwards with respect to the current situation. We are unhappy about the absence of certain requirements that facilitated the implementation of waste legislation, such as those concerning the by-product/waste distinction.

What is your perception of the various waste realities in the European area: in each of the Member States or between the different Member States?

There is a legal-technical situation in each EU country that is beginning to converge, thanks to European legislation and the efforts of each country. However, there are still differences in interpretation or opinion that may cause problems. Obviously, if the concept of waste is not interpreted consistently, situations that are difficult to resolve could arise. The same can be said for several other concepts and terms used in European legislation. In practice, I think there are significant differences from one country to another: it is clear that some countries have developed better infrastructures and implemented more advanced technology etc; and so a certain amount of flexibility in European regulations would be required to allow the less developed countries to adjust.

What is your perception of the challenges posed by the social acceptability of waste and waste treatment plants: how should we inform the population? How should we involve the population?

I think that all solutions regarding waste management that are implemented should presuppose the highest level of social consensus and transparency of information is required on the part of the authorities. In many countries, Spain being no exception, there is a high degree of social sensitivity around this problem. It is our responsibility as politicians to look for solutions that are well supported by society, as much by professional organizations, conservationists and academics as by the average citizen. Any advanced waste policy requires the co-operation of every citizen. For example, consider the case of urban waste: without co-operation from citizens there is no solution. In summary, the waste problem can only be tackled and resolved by means of a close alliance between the authorities and society.

How do your country’s experience and stances benefit and/or contribute to a European policy on waste?

In Spain, European legislation is a great help to us because current Spanish legislation is derived to a large extent from EU regulations. It is for this reason that our participation in discussions and negotiations in Brussels that relate to this issue is increasingly more involved. However, I must say that we have adopted some waste management regulations that are not derived from EU legislation, such as our soil contamination regulation or that of old disused tyres.