It is a general requirement according to the EU Landfill Directive that all Member States have to reduce the amount of biodegradable municipal waste (BMW) sent to landfill with a certain percentage by 2006, 2009 and 2016. The targets are set in relation to 1995 generation figures of BMW. The UK has been given a four year derogation period with respect to these targets. As such the UK targets are that landfilled quantities of BMW must be reduced to 75% of 1995 BMW by 2010,50% by 2013 and 35% by 2020.