The Spain government is preparing a new legislation aimed at reducing the presence of waste in oceans and sanitation systems. The proposal covers liability measures for manufacturers and new restrictions on consumer behavior, in an effort to contain growing pollution by single -use plastics.
Measure framed in international environmental and economic objectives
According to Executive Digest, the proposal is part of the national strategy to meet the United Nations sustainable development objectives, particularly as regards the conservation of marine life and responsible consumption.
The measure arises in response to environmental and financial concerns associated with the incorrect disposal of everyday products, namely moist wipes discarded in the toilets and disposable balloons thrown into the environment.
Manufacturers will pay the costs
According to the same source, the new decree-law states that manufacturers of disposable products with strong environmental impact will be required to support the cleaning costs associated with their use and inadequate elimination. These costs have been borne by municipalities and sanitation systems, also affecting taxpayers.
Executive Digest says that financial losses for wastewater treatment systems in Spain exceed 230 million euros per year. A significant part of this amount results from the accumulation of waste in the sewage, causing obstructions, damage and increased operating costs.
The official document cited by the same source states that the targeted products represent a growing environmental problem, even when marketed as biodegradable. Despite natural decomposition allegations, these materials may persist in the environment for several years, aggravating aquatic pollution.
Impact on Marine Ecosystems
According to Executive Digest, microfibers released by certain waste act as “toxic sponges”, absorbing dangerous chemicals present in wastewater. These compounds easily enter the food chain through ingestion by fish, birds and other marine organisms.
International environmental organizations warn that this type of pollution has lasting effects on ocean health and biodiversity. The final Straw Foundation, cited by the same source, stresses that the persistent nature of these waste contributes to the chemical degradation of aquatic habitats.
Among the most frequently found waste on European beaches are precisely the objects aimed at the new legislation.
According to data included in a European Union directive, referred to by Executive Digest, these waste occupies prominent positions on the list of ten most disposable plastic items collected on the coastlines of Europe.
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Restrictions on daily practices
The Spanish government’s proposal provides for the prohibition of common practices associated with social events and domestic use, as a way to limit the presence of these waste in the environment. Executive Digest clarifies that even when the individual impact is small, the cumulative effect has serious consequences.
In addition to the prohibition of inappropriate disposal, manufacturers will have to finance awareness campaigns to inform consumers about the environmental risks of their products. The Spanish Ministry of Environment, cited by the same source, points out that behavioral change requires clear and affordable information.
The legislation also recommends that none of these products be discarded by Sanita, even when classified as biodegradable. This recommendation, according to Executive Digest, is based on the precautionary principle, given the persistence of waste in the environment and the difficulty of its removal.
In addition, according to the same source, it is expected that anyone who does it will be fined, as in other similar environmental legislations already in force in the European Union.
A model that can reach Portugal
The same source stresses that this type of legislation may serve as an example for other European countries, including Portugal. The transionic character of marine pollution causes measures taken by a country to impact all neighbors, so regional cooperation is essential.
Although the proposal is still in the discussion phase, it refers that it represents a paradigm change: the responsibility of producers for the complete life cycle of their products and the valorization of environmental education as an essential prevention tool.
The Spanish decision joins a growing set of European initiatives to wage pollution by disposable plastics.
With this proposal, Spain takes a concrete step towards reducing marine pollution and protecting water resources, with the potential to influence similar policies in other Member States.
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