GENERAL CONCEPT OF BAS PROJECT
The common challenge to be tackled by BAS project is implementation of European Directive 2008/98/EK introducing:
- the “polluter pays principle”
- and the “extended producer responsibility”
including two new recycling and recovery targets to be achieved by 2020: 50% preparing for re-use and recycling of certain waste materials from households and other similar origins.
The Directive requires that Member States adopt waste management plans and waste prevention programmes.
Since Balkan states are still far from these targets, project’s ambition is to contribute to recycling percentage increase.
According to an initial survey in the seven project target areas, the most important observation was low participation of citizens in the recycling process.
Therefore the core element of a common strategy to achieve EU recycling targets is to increase citizens’ participation.
Ultimate goal of the strategy is to institute direct incentives to citizens according to their contribution to waste separate selection at source.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS
Local societies and economies in partner areas will benefit; since the increase of recycling percentage will drop local expenses for solid waste management.
In addition, a slight improvement of income of citizens actively participating in local recycle activities is expected.
The innovation approach is a Balkan version of Pay As You Throw systems in municipal waste management. In Central and West Europe, municipal taxes are calculated with PAYT systems, depending on the quantities of mixed waste disposed of by households. The current situation of Balkan countries doesn’t permit to directly implement PAYT: Tax systems, low level of culture concerning separate selection at source, lack of recycling infrastructures covering the whole residence areas, a negative attitude against everything appears as a new tax are some of the difficulties to implement PAYT systems.
In contrast, BAS systems could overcome these problems. The project added value is not only development of a new recycling practice, but far beyond this, an 18-month application and testing of the innovative concept/project results.
PROJECT IDENTITY
PRIORITY AXE : 2- Environment
THEMATIC OBLECTIVE: 6- Preserving and protecting the environment and promoting resource efficiency
INVESTMENT PRIORITY: 6f -Promoting innovative technologies to improve environmental protection and resource efficiency in the waste sector, water sector and with regard to soil, or to reduce air pollution
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE 2.2. : Sustainable territories