Agenda Profile: Yoko Alender
Second Reading of the Draft Act Amending the Waste Act (Bill 676 SE)
2025-11-11
XV Riigikogu, VI Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The speaker strongly supports the amendment of the Waste Act (676 SE), emphasizing the necessity of transposing the EU Batteries and Accumulators Directive. This political stance is geared toward promoting the circular economy and boosting the recycling of valuable materials, while prioritizing the improvement of system fairness through the accountability of digital platforms. The entire framework is clearly rooted in policy and regulation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates in-depth knowledge of waste legislation and the circular economy, focusing specifically on the detailed transposition of the Batteries and Accumulators Directive. The presentation utilizes specific terminology, such as "extended producer responsibility," and provides concrete data regarding collection targets (e.g., 65% versus 40–42%) and the recycling of materials (rare earth metals). This expertise is further supported by references to specific product groups, including solar panels and electric scooters.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speech is formal, informative, and procedural, focusing on the details of the bill's amendments and the work of the committee. The emphasis is placed on logical argumentation and facts (directives, dates), while avoiding emotional appeals. The speaker aims to be time-efficient, omitting the reading of lengthy minutes, but confirming that they have been clearly documented.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's activity profile involves active participation in the work of the Environment Committee, referencing the specific sitting on November 4th where preparations for the second reading were made. The speech itself is a detailed overview of the committee's work and the consensus decisions reached, which demonstrates their role as rapporteur for the legislative process.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no direct political confrontation, as the commission supported the amendments by consensus. Criticism is instead directed primarily at foreign digital platforms operating outside the system (such as Temu, which has Chinese origins), whose accountability is considered essential for ensuring justice.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is consensual and supportive, emphasizing that the committee members unanimously supported the proposed amendments. Close cooperation is also mentioned with officials from the Ministry of Climate (Deputy Secretary General Ivo Jaanisoo and Piret Otsason), who provided briefings during the preparation of the draft legislation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is split between the national level (Estonia’s collection targets and integration into the solar panel system) and the international level (transposition of the EU directive and the regulation of digital platforms outside the EU). It is highlighted that the digital platform system is already operational in Europe.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives advocate for expanded regulation through the producer responsibility scheme to ensure fairness for Estonian businesses and prevent them from incurring recycling costs. A circular economy model is favored, where the recycling of valuable materials takes precedence over virgin extraction.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The only social topic addressed is raising public awareness regarding the locations of e-waste collection points. Emphasis is placed on the need for improved outreach within the framework of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) to boost collection targets and inform people about collection points situated in shopping centers.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on Draft Act 676 SE, which proposes amendments to the Waste Act. Its primary goal is the transposition of the relevant EU directive and the advancement of the circular economy. Key priorities include integrating digital platforms into the producer responsibility system and meeting the required collection targets. The speaker is both the rapporteur and a strong proponent of the amendments put forward by the commission.
1 Speeches Analyzed