The report published by the European Court of Auditors shows that although in almost all the regions selected some improvements in the management of waste were observed, the effectiveness of structural measures funding for municipal waste management infrastructures was hampered by the poor implementation of supporting measures.

The European Union has common standards and targets in the form of directives for the management of municipal waste and co-finances waste management infrastructures in specific regions. EU contribution to waste management infrastructures is significant: structural measures earmarked amounts represented €10.8 billion during the 2000-2013 period. However, a European Court of Auditors report shows that the effectiveness of EU funding for municipal waste management infrastructures was limited due to the poor implementation of supporting measures. In January 2012, the European Commission published a report that showed that full implementation of EU waste legislation could save €72 billion a year.

Although in almost all the regions selected some improvements in the management of waste were observed by the audit, the effectiveness of structural measures funding for municipal waste management infrastructures was hampered by the poor implementation of supporting measures. For example, the performance of the co-financed infrastructures was highly dependent upon waste collection strategies. Concerning landfills, waste was deposited without adequate treatment and in general insufficient financial amounts were put aside to cover closure and after-care costs. Moreover, weaknesses were also noted in EU waste regulatory framework and EU guidelines.

The European Court of Auditors also includes in the report recommendations to the member states such as they should focus on waste management infrastructures treating waste previously segregated at source; they should pay greater attention to public participation and adherence, focus on separate collection, including biodegradable waste when cost effective, and impose landfill taxes to encourage waste prevention and recycling. Also, it recommends the Commission to request the implementation of these recommendations from the member states before granting EU financial support.