Interview with Mr Karl Erjavec

As Minister of the Environment, how do you rate the issue of waste as part of the policy that you deploy in your country?

The Republic of Slovenia’s priorities in the area of the environment are set out in the National Environmental Action Programme for the period 2005–2012. In addition to adapting to climate change, protecting nature and biodiversity and improving the quality of life, waste management is one of the priority objectives of environmental protection and also an important task of the Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning of the Republic of Slovenia.

Because of different origins and types of waste, effective waste management requires a comprehensive approach, from waste generation through collection to appropriate treatment and final disposal of remaining waste after treatment. Waste management policy is therefore aimed at ensuring that the consumption of renewable and non-renewable resources, enabling sustainable production and consumption and thus contributing to reducing environmental pollution and energy use, does not exceed the bearing capacity of the environment.

In my capacity as Minister of the Environment and Spatial Planning, I am making every effort to encourage measures and motivation programmes aimed at changing consumption patterns to reduce the ever-increasing amount of waste. We wish to move towards a recycling society by strengthening relevant institutional forms and support measures. A sustainable economy will be supported by an appropriate financial policy, which takes into account not only profit but also the lowest possible consumption of raw materials and energy, and the minimum amount of emissions and waste.

Does your country face specific problems in relation to waste? If so, which?

Slovenia, like other European countries, faces problems relating to the increasing amount of waste generated by households and industry despite the adoption of common policies on waste management at EU and national levels. The global financial crisis has destabilised the recycled material market even further. I believe that there has been too much debate on landfills, while the objective of municipal waste management at regional level has often been overlooked. In view of the fact that waste (including municipal waste) is still deposited mainly in landfills in the Republic of Slovenia, we must do everything possible to stop such behaviour and shift waste from landfills primarily to recycling as one of the forms of waste recovery. The primary objective should be to achieve the maximum possible recycling and recovery of waste and separate collection of waste at source, while taking account of realistic limitations and ensuring effective recovery of separately collected fractions of waste.

The Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning promotes the implementation of legislation in the area of waste management and will consistently pursue the adopted environmental priorities and objectives. It will pay special attention to monitoring developments in the recycled material market and promoting separate collection of waste, especially household waste.

In your opinion, what, today, are the main political challenges facing waste in Europe? Regarding conservation of the environment, developing cost-effective systems, recycling etc.

In my view, the main challenge in this area is the successful implementation of legislation and control over its implementation. Ideas and guidelines set out in strategic documents should be put into practice; in so doing, the aim of reducing administrative barriers and simplifying procedures should be pursued. This is the only way to get closer to implementing the idea of sustainable consumption and production and the idea of a “recycling society” that seeks to preserve natural resources and potential by encouraging the reuse of waste material.

What is your view on the implementation of the framework directive on waste in Europe? Generally as well as in your country, for comparison purposes?
The new framework directive on waste is an example of modern legislation at an EU level, which will significantly contribute to a more modern approach to waste management. Above all, various documents drafted at the level of the European Commission and at national level will contribute to more flexible waste management that will take Europe closer to becoming a “recycling society”.

In Slovenia, at national level, particular attention will be devoted to the preparation of waste prevention programmes. We will invite the general public, as well as the public and private sectors, to take part in these activities. This is the only way to ensure the implementation of waste prevention programmes.

According to you, how could the waste practices in a particular country in Europe fit in with the global European policy?

All EU Member States share a common strategic and legislative framework, which must form part of national priorities and national strategic and legislative documents. Member States must also, of course, take into account their respective national specifics. For Slovenia, this means a relatively small area in which waste management facilities can be set up, while the amount of waste in Slovenia compares with the European average. The fact is that, in some cases (e.g., hazardous waste), the total amount of waste generated is not sufficient to justify setting up waste treatment facilities. Slovenia is therefore integrated into the waste treatment system in other Member States.

I am confident that the event you are to hold in October will contribute to closer ties and cooperation among the countries of Europe, to the exchange of good practice in the area of waste management and to more effective implementation of European laws within national framework.