The European Commission (EC) has initiated an infringement procedure against all EU member states for failing to meet the mandated recycling and waste collection targets.  

This action underscores the EU's commitment to waste management and recycling directives. 

A total of 18 EU member states fell short of the 50% target for preparing municipal waste for reuse and recycling by 2020.  

This target, part of the waste framework directive, includes materials such as paper, metal, plastic, and glass.  

In addition, the directive on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) sets forth another challenge, requiring member states to collect annually at least 65% of the average weight of such waste placed on their market over the past three years, or 85% of the waste generated.  

Member states therefore missed the EU collection target as they failed to collect sufficient WEEE separately. 

The infringement procedure allows the EC to send formal notices to the 27 member states, giving them two months to respond with actions to rectify the identified deficiencies.  

The members are asked to strengthen their implementation efforts to fulfil the required obligations.  

If the responses are unsatisfactory, the commission may issue a reasoned opinion, urging the member states to comply with EU law.  

Should these steps fail to resolve the issues, the EC has the authority to bring the matter before the Court of Justice of the EU.