Waste statistics

The Commission has presented a report concerning the progress of the pilot studies referred to in Article 4, paragraph 3, and Article 5, paragraph1 of Regulation 2150/2002/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on waste statistics.

The first results from the pilot studies on statistics on import and export of waste demonstrate that although foreign trade statistics have been identified as the best source they do not provide a full set of data that can be used to complement the data covered by the Waste Shipment Regulation. For a number of waste categories for which statistics are to be compiled a concrete solution has not been identified yet and therefore further studies would be necessary.

With regard to statistics on waste from agriculture, hunting, forestry and fisheries a large variety of waste streams have to be considered and the most crucial issue is to what extent bio-organic waste will be covered by waste statistics. Another essential aspect is the treatment of waste within the agricultural sector and the extent to which this is included in the waste statistics.

For both fields of pilot studies another call for proposals will be launched in 2005. The terms of reference will be adapted taking into account the experience acquired so far.

By the end of 2005, the Commission will inform the European Parliament and the Council about the possibilities of compiling statistics for the activities and characteristics covered by the pilot studies for import and export of waste as required by Article 5(4) of the Waste Statistics Regulation. At the same time, an update on activities and results related to waste from agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishery, on packaging waste and on preparatory treatment operations will be given.