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The SUPD is an important tool to reduce plastic pollution and stimulate the circular economy. The results so far are partially positive but further strengthening is necessary. Inappropriate disposal (through the toilet) of SUP, such as wet wipes, sanitary towels and other sanitary care products, is a societal challenge. Wastewater systems may act as a pathway for plastics to enter the water environment.

The Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD) and the associated guideline on single-use plastic products (SUP product guideline) as well as the guideline laying down criteria on the costs of cleaning up litter (cost guideline) do not meet the requirements for proper implementation in practice. A major criticism is the sole focus on litter. In practice, city cleaning does not involve litter collection, but area cleaning.

Nutrient-Recycling is inevitably for a sustainable nutrient management. There are already several technologies which are able to solve the problems. Also lots of new technologies and measurements are developed constantly in the EU and in the world. My feeling is, that sometimes it is not technologies, which are missing, but holistic strategies that have to be encouraged.

EurEau is the European Federation of National Associations of Water Services and is therefore very much involved in environmental topics and welcomes the holistic nutrient management approach proposed by the European Commission in order to address the nitrogen and phosphorus cycles.