Recycling Systems for Waste Plastic Containers and Packaging in Germany (EU) and Japan

Asakawa Kaoru

doi:10.3985/mcwmr.26.275

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Other Title

欧州，ドイツと日本におけるプラスチック製容器包装のリサイクル
オウシュウ,ドイツトニホンニオケルプラスチックセイヨウキホウソウノリサイクル

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Abstract

The first recycling law, which brought the EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) concept to Japan, is known as the Containers and Packaging Recycling Law (legislated in 1995). Under this law, the recycling of plastic containers and packaging waste was launched from 1999. Over the past 15 years, a total of approximately 7960000 tons of plastics have been recycled (as were approximately 2630000 tons of PET bottles, individually). This recycling scheme has resulted in strongly contributing to the main objectives of the original legislation, which aimed to reduce overall waste and extend the life of the country′s landfill sites. The development of this law seems to have referenced the existing laws enforced in Germany and France. This paper mainly investigates the situation in Germany, outlining the progress that has taken place and illustrating the present conditions surrounding recycling of plastic container packing in the EU. It then compares the findings with the situation in Japan as a means of discerning what could be the future direction for managing the recycling of plastic container wastes.

Journal

Material Cycles and Waste Management Research

Material Cycles and Waste Management Research 26 (4), 275-282, 2015-07-31

Japan Society of Material Cycles and Waste Management

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