The EU Landfill Directive

Abstract

Directive 1999/31 on the Landfill of Waste has finally been adopted and entered into force on 16 July 1999. This paper will analyse in detail the provisions of the Directive, including their legislative development, with particular attention to the prospects for UK implementation. It will be concluded that while the Directive is clearly a step in the right direction, close attention must be paid to the context in which it is implemented in order that these benefits are not negated by lack of coordination and underdevelopment of alternative waste management options.