Implementing waste recycling programmes

This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities. Agenda 21 recommends implementing specific mechanisms such as deposit/refund systems as incentives for reuse and recycling.

Items for which recycling is behind throughout the world include rubber and waste oil. Also the recycling of batteries, household electrical appliances, bicycles and certain plastics lags in developing countries and some developed countries.

By 1998, ore than 28 countries required some sort of "take-back" of packaging, while 20 require battery recycling, and five had electronics recovery mandates.