Conceptualising Waste Prevention under EU Law in the Context of the Circular Economy
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46282/blr.2026.10.1.1011Keywords:
Waste Prevention, Product Obsolescence, Waste Hierarchy, Circular Economy, EU Law, Environmental LawAbstract
The transition from a linear to a circular economy is one of the principal goals of contemporary European Union policy and law, with waste prevention being the top priority. Even though EU policy documents keep emphasising the importance of the circular economy, progress remains slow, as indicated by rather low circularity rates and high levels of waste generation. The EU’s circular economy policy initially relied mostly on voluntary measures which proved insufficient in driving significant change. A major shift came with the adoption of the second Circular Economy Action Plan in 2020 which eventually led to the adoption of many new legislative acts aimed at strengthening waste prevention. However, the theoretical foundations of waste prevention in EU law remain underdeveloped. This study examines the legal definition and scope of waste prevention in EU law, assessing its adequacy in addressing current challenges, such as product obsolescence. By critically analysing existing legislation and policy frameworks, the study identifies key issues and argues for a re-conceptualisation of waste prevention in EU law. The study also includes a systematic analysis of the case law of the Court of Justice related to waste prevention. The proposed re-definition seeks to align with the practical needs of our society and the issues we must face. It aims to improve the enforceability and effectiveness of waste prevention measures within the EU’s circular economy framework.
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