Table : Current situation of 3R activities in participated Countries in the Senior Officials Meeting on the 3R Initiative

Country	Current Situation of 3R Activities
Brazil	A draft bill on a National Solid Waste Policy containing 3R components is currently under consideration by the National Congress. The challenges standing out in particular are developing segregated waste collection systems and recycling products and wastes and ensuring environmentally sound waste disposal.
Canada	Responsibility for waste management is shared among all levels of government. 3R-related initiatives are integrated with broader national goals for increased competitiveness, enhanced well-being, and a well-preserved natural environment.
China	China has been promoting policies blending market promotion, regulatory control and public participation for the development of a circular economy, with cleaner production and waste management integrated into legislation. Progress has been made in pilot projects at the industrial level, industrial demo-parks and construction of circular economy pilot provinces and cities.
European Commission	The European Union has set a framework for national governments on (1) the sustainable use of resources, (2) waste prevention, (3) recycling, (4) eco-design, and (5) eco-innovation. The EC, together with UNEP, plans to establish an international panel on the sustainable use of natural resources.
France	France developed specific measures on waste prevention mainly based on an EPR scheme. The National Plan for Waste Prevention was adopted in February 2004. As a point of this Plan, a campaign has been promoted to give practical and accessible examples to the public.
Germany	German waste policy emphasizes two points, source separation and extended producer responsibility. Enforcement of a landfill ban for untreated wastes began in June 2005. Germany's waste management policies also have significant linkages with climate change-related issues. Along with sustainable materials management, Germany highly emphasizes materials and energy recovery.
India	Policies and strategies are designed to resolve conflicts arising between developmental and environmental goals. The draft National Environment Policy of 2005, which incorporates the concept of the 3Rs, is currently under consideration.
Indonesia	Major issues regarding waste include a lack of awareness, limited budgets, a lack of compliance, and limited access to waste treatment facilities for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). A coherent national strategy is seen as essential to enhance coordination, synergy, efficiency and effectiveness.
Italy	Separated collection has steadily improved; there are dramatic regional differences within the country. Italy was able to meet the EU 2002 objectives in achieving packaging recycling for glass, paper, steel, aluminum, wood, and plastic; EU 2008 objectives are already almost achieved; the partnership with enterprises in the packaging consortia represents an interesting best practice regarding the 3Rs and producer responsibility.
Japan	Japan has made substantial progress in achieving greater recycling rates while reducing its final disposal amount and its dioxin emissions. Japan has carried out several initiatives to promote the 3Rs such as the establishment of grants at the local level, amendment of the "Containers and Packaging Recycling Law," and launching a multistakeholder forum for the promotion of 3R activities.
Malaysia	"The National Recycling Programme 2000" was launched in 2000. "The National Strategic Plan for Solid Waste Management 2005" is currently being finalized. Waste minimization is recognized as one of the priorities in Malaysia. Strategies are built on three pillars: enhancement of awareness, strengthening of partnerships and development of institutions.
Mexico	In 2006, regulations were enacted to facilitate implementation of a general law on the 3Rs adopted in 2004. Activities implemented over the previous year include (1) a Crusade for Cleaning Mexico program, (2) a management plan for used oil to ensure environmentally sound management, (3) use of hazardous wastes in cement kilns, (4) PET recycling, with new facilities processing PET to produce fiber and plastic woods, and (5) recovery of dust from the smelting industry.
Philippines	"The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act" specifies the following activities: (1) achievement of a recycling rate of 25% or above by 2006 and increasing thereafter, (2) segregation at source and collection, (3) establishment of material recovery facilities, (4) eco-labeling, (5) green procurement.
Republic of Korea	The following have promoted a sound material-cycle economy: (1) volume-based waste collection, (2) EPR, implemented with mandatory targets for product recovery and recycling, (3) regulations for promoting recycling of construction waste, (4) reduction of food waste, implemented through an NGO campaign.
Russian Federation	Waste minimization is important. Russia has made progress in waste utilization from weapons, bio-mass utilization, waste incineration and energy recovery. 3R will be an important element of the G8 process and will contribute to improving energy efficiency.
Singapore	Singapore's strategy towards Zero Landfill and Zero Waste includes (1) volume reduction through incineration, (2) promotion of recycling in industry and in the community, (3) the reduction of waste going to landfills and (4) promotion of reusable bags to reduce usage of plastic bags and introduction of a packaging agreement.
South Africa	A waste management bill is currently under development. The South African government has promoted various 3R-related measures over the past year, including encouraging EPR, establishing a national recycling forum, promoting cleaner production, expanding industrial waste exchanges between generators and recyclers, and enhancing integrated waste management.
Thailand	Thailand has developed a national integrated waste management plan. 3R activities have progressed substantially among industries, NGOs, and civil society. Various international technical cooperation programs are being implemented. Thailand has several good practices addressing the 3Rs, including take-back schemes for end-of-life products, waste exchange programs and a green purchasing network.
United Kingdom	The UK is reviewing its waste strategy of 2000. The government has set statutory performance standards for composting and recycling, introduced a landfill allowance trading scheme, set up an independent body to promote markets for recyclables and enacted a landfill tax for industrial waste.
United States of America	The USA is promoting the elimination of barriers impeding the trade of remanufactured products, local, state and federal recycling programs, renewable and clean energy technologies, and collaboration with industry, NGOs, and international organizations. U.S. commitments towards the 3R Initiative include partnerships with industry targeting specific waste streams.
Viet Nam	The Law on Environmental Protection addresses the import of scrap materials, economic instruments including preferential taxation, technology transfer and promotion of environmental industry. "The National Strategy for Environmental Protection" set various targets for 2010 and 2020. The National 3R Strategy is being developed in collaboration with JICA, UNCRD, IGES/Ministry of Environment of Japan and ADB.

Source : Compiled by the Ministry of the Environment from the documents of Senior Officials Meeting on the 3R Initiative