pakkajätedirektiivi

The Waste Framework Directive, commonly referred to in Finnish as the "pakkajätedirektiivi" (though more accurately a direct translation of Waste Framework Directive), is a key piece of European Union legislation that establishes the basic concepts and definitions related to waste management. Its primary aim is to protect the environment and human health by preventing or reducing the adverse impacts of waste generation and management.

The directive sets out a waste hierarchy, prioritizing waste prevention, followed by reuse, recycling, and other recovery operations (such as energy recovery) before disposal. This hierarchy guides Member States in developing their waste management policies and strategies. It also defines key terms like "waste," "producer," and "holder" of waste, which are crucial for consistent implementation across the EU.

Furthermore, the directive requires Member States to establish comprehensive waste management plans and to ensure that waste is managed without endangering human health or harming the environment. It also sets targets for recycling and recovery rates for certain waste streams and promotes the development of markets for secondary raw materials. The legislation has been instrumental in driving up recycling rates and reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill across the European Union.