Proposal for a Council directive on the incineration of waste

The incineration of waste is a subject of considerable public concern. In the absence of effective controls, harmful pollutants may be emitted to air, land and water where they may contribute to human health and environmental impacts, acidification and damage to the environment on a local and regional level. It is widely recognised that whilst incineration of waste - preferably with heat recovery - can form an important part of an integrated waste management system, strict controls are required to prevent adverse environmental impacts.

In its Resolution of February 1997 1 the Council expressed the opinion "that appropriate emission standards should apply to the operation of facilities in which waste is incinerated in order to ensure a high level playing field in the waste sector".