End of plastic water bottles at European Parliament
The European Parliament will phase out the use of all plastic water bottles and other single-use plastic items.
The Bureau of the European Parliament decided on Monday to phase out the use of all plastic water bottles as well as other single-use plastic items used in canteens, in line with the EU drive towards a circular economy and plastic waste strategy. The decision is the final stage of a project which has already seen the installation of 166 water fountains in its buildings and the restriction of the offer of plastic water bottles in meetings lasting less than 1 ½ hours.
The President and 14 Vice-Presidents of Parliament (the Bureau) decided to phase out the use of plastic bottles at all meetings and not to offer them at large-scale events any longer. The catering outlets in Parliament will also phase out plastic cups, cutlery and other items, replacing them with biodegradable or recyclable ones.
"I am very happy that Parliament, with this decision, is setting the example in the battle for reducing plastic waste", said Heidi Hautala, (Greens /EFA, FI) vice-president responsible for EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme).
The phasing out will begin from July 2019, and respect existing contractual obligations.
Kontakty:
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Jaume DUCH GUILLOT
EP Spokesperson and Director General for Communication -
Marjory VAN DEN BROEKE
Head of the Spokesperson's Unit