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Waste legislation

EU waste legislation is essential to enable a functioning circular economy by ensuring the efficient recovery and high-quality recycling of valuable non-ferrous metals. A robust and coherent regulatory framework is key to retaining materials in Europe, strengthening supply security and supporting sustainable industrial value chains.

Why it’s important

Maximising the recovery of non-ferrous metals from various waste streams is a key priority for European Metals and a cornerstone of the EU Circular Economy. High-quality recycling contributes to resource efficiency, supply security and climate objectives while sustaining industrial competitiveness in Europe.

European Metals actively advocates for ambitious and coherent waste legislation through key files such as theEnd-of-Life Vehicles Regulation, the revision of theWaste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive, and theWaste Shipment Regulation, all of which directly impact metals recycling and circularity.

 

What we are seeking

We aim to ensure adequate and safe waste treatment in the EU while enhancing competitiveness of high-quality recyclers, by, among others:

  • Integrating recyclability at the product design stage, to facilitate efficient end-of-life treatment and higher recovery rates
  • Improving the identification of critical raw materials in products and components, including through tools such as the Digital Product Passport, to enable targeted and effective recovery
  • Harmonising waste classifications and definitions across EU Member States, to facilitate waste shipments and ensure a well-functioning internal market for secondary raw materials.

 

For additional information on this subject contact:

fazio@european-metals.eu  or macciotta@european-metals.eu