EU-wide end-of-waste criteria for plastic waste

The absence of a consistent legal framework on end-of-waste for certain waste streams creates uncertainty for waste operators and for entities trading and using secondary raw materials. The implementation of EU-wide end-of-waste criteria can address these disparities between Member States and across different actors in the value chain, ultimately increasing the uptake of high-quality secondary raw materials in manufacturing processes. The aim of this study was to develop technical proposals for EU-wide end-of-waste criteria for plastic waste, in accordance with Article 6 of Directive (EC) No 2008/98. The selection of this waste stream stems from the results of a scoping study carried out by the JRC to identify top-candidate streams for the development of EU-wide end-of-waste or by-product criteria. Plastic waste was ranked as the first priority stream for end-of-waste criteria. The report contains background information on plastics, plastic waste and the recycling value chain and additional information that is of relevance for the development of EU-wide end-of-waste criteria, namely market-related aspects, technical requirements and standards, relevant legislation as well as environmental and human health impacts. It also includes an overview and detailed analysis of national end-of-waste criteria for plastic waste in Member States. The technical recommendations have been produced by the JRC based on the contributions of relevant stakeholders in the plastic value chain. They consist of a proposal for a set of EU-wide end-of-waste criteria, including requirements on input materials, treatment processes and techniques, product quality, quality assurance and provision of information.JRC.B.5 - Circular Economy and Sustainable Industr

Technical recommendations on packaging categories to support the design for recycling assessment of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation Proposal

The aim of this study is to develop technical recommendations for a possible amendment of Table 1 – Annex II of the EC proposal for a Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, to support the co-decision process. The main objective is to consider reducing the number of packaging categories referred to in Article 6 of the Regulation. To this end, the feasibility of aggregating some of the packaging categories has been assessed. The methodological approach followed was based on a statistical analysis to quantify similarities across selected categories. The data used as basis for the analysis have been retrieved from available design for recycling guidelines and from evidence submitted by experts in a written stakeholder consultation. The analysis was complemented by a critical appraisal of results, thereby also accounting for evidence received by stakeholders. The proposal also includes recommendations on possible integration of missing packaging categories or formats in Table 1 of Annex II. The study led to the recommendation to reduce the number of packaging categories from 30 to 22, by merging mono-material and composite packaging for glass, steel and aluminium (distinguishing between rigid and semi-rigid or flexible aluminium packaging); plastic packaging categories that differed only by colour; and PS and XPS plastic packaging. A new category for biodegradable plastic packaging is proposed to be added to the table.JRC.B.5 - Circular Economy and Sustainable Industr

Technical recommendations on possible elements and parameters of a methodology to assess recyclability of packaging in the framework of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation Proposal

The aim of this study is to develop technical recommendations for possible elements and parameters of a methodology to assess recyclability of packaging, referred to in Article 6 of the EC proposal for a Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, to support the co-decision process. The main objective is to identify relevant functionalities of the packaging materials (listed in Table 1 of Annex II of the proposal) that could be considered in a design-for-recycling (DfR) methodology. A mapping exercise of available DfR guidelines was carried out to build up an extensive database for each packaging material. The outcomes of this study are based on data and evidence provided by experts in the written stakeholder consultation. The proposal consists of a list of elements and parameters, a detailed description of each parameter and the relevance for recyclability.JRC.B.5 - Circular Economy and Sustainable Industr

Feasibility study in support of future policy developments of the Sewage Sludge Directive (86/278/EEC)

This study aims to bring forward a preliminary assessment of policy options for a possible review of the Sewage Sludge Directive. The main problem identified is that current sludge management is not fully aligned with current EU policy objectives, particularly on environmental and human health protection and circular economy. Two policy options were evaluated in detail: (i) monitoring and control of sludge, or derived materials thereof, returned to agricultural land complemented by targets for the return of the critical raw material phosphorus to agricultural land; and (ii) environmental and health protection through the mandatory transformation of sewage sludge into EU fertilising products that classify as phosphorus fertilisers, presently mostly following sludge incineration. The report quantifies and discusses costs and benefits for both policy options, including aspects related to human health and environmental protection, nutrient recycling potential, methane emissions, potential to stimulate innovation, and social and distributional impacts. In addition, further information is provided on information gaps and research needs. The report may help to further increase the knowledge base on sustainable sewage sludge management and stimulate informed discussions amongst all relevant stakeholders.JRC.B.5 - Circular Economy and Sustainable Industr

Scoping possible further EU-wide end-of-waste and by-product criteria

This study supports the implementation of both the Circular Economy Action Plan and the Waste Framework Directive by identifying a list of priority waste or by-product streams (scoping) and deriving the most suitable candidate streams for which to develop further EU-wide end-of-waste or by-product criteria.JRC.B.5 - Circular Economy and Industrial Leadershi

Technical recommendations for the targeted amendment of the European List of Waste entries relevant to batteries

This report is the deliverable of Work Package 8 "Technical support to develop a proposal for the targeted amendment of the European List of Waste entries relevant to batteries" of the Joint Research Centre (JRC)’s Administrative Agreement providing support for the new batteries regulatory framework to DG ENV and DG GROW. The JRC is providing technical support to the accompanying measures related to the Batteries Regulation, in particular for the development of a targeted amendment of the European List of Waste entries relevant to batteries. This potential amendment would help better categorise the waste flows associated with new types of batteries, to improve the accuracy and traceability of battery waste flow monitoring and ensure a level playing field in the EU. This report presents the results of the technical analysis carried out to support the potential targeted amendment examining batteries, battery wastes, and industry processes; it has been developed through desk research complemented by extensive stakeholder input and field visits. The report presents current evidence on the relevant battery waste streams identified, their composition and their hazard properties, as well as a recommendation for new or revised six-digit waste code entries to the List of Waste relevant to batteries.JRC.B.5 - Circular Economy and Sustainable Industr

Harmonised labelling of waste receptacles with matching product labels

Separate collection of waste is an enabler for the recovery of valuable materials which can be recycled or otherwise valorised. However, it relies on adequate sorting by individuals, which can be facilitated by relevant information provided on the product packaging (on-pack labelling), and on the receptacles used for waste collection. Waste from packaging represents up to 40% of municipal solid waste and can drive the improvement in collection of recyclable materials. Meanwhile, as EU deadlines for separate collection targets close in, Member States are implementing various schemes designed to assist sorting, including labelling on products and bins. This often results in a multiplication of labels to be displayed in different jurisdictions, increasing costs for producers and increasing the risk of confusion for consumers. Harmonised labels to be displayed on product packaging, with matching labels on waste receptacles indicating where those should be disposed of, would address these issues and yield economic and environmental benefits. The analysis presented herein assesses the environmental and socioeconomic impacts of introducing such a harmonised labelling in the EU over the coming years. Results suggest that this measure would generate a net benefit as compared to a business-as-usual scenario. It would be expected to yield overall socio-economic benefits, and improvements in environmental performance in all cases considered.JRC.B.5 - Circular Economy and Sustainable Industr

Quality management systems for municipal waste data

The aim of this study is to develop a proposal for an operational framework for a harmonised quality management system at EU level, with respect to the collection, reporting and publication of waste data as well as monitoring. To this end, a screening of the current situation in the EU-27 has been carried out, focusing particularly on data collection and reporting practices. This proposal builds upon the reporting obligations laid down in the Waste Framework Directive, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive and the Waste Statistics Regulation. Member States have the obligation to demonstrate compliance with EU recycling targets and are encouraged to establish a system for quality control and traceability of waste. The implementation of a harmonised quality management system can help Member States to track the progress of municipalities towards the attainment of the targets and to assess the impact of specific measures. It can facilitate comparability of data across Member States and better monitoring of the performance of waste management in the EU-27 and beyond. The availability of reliable and consistent waste data can ultimately support the development of new policy options under EU waste legislation.JRC.B.5 - Circular Economy and Sustainable Industr