Overview
EU waste policy is key to Europe's circular economy ambitions, contributing to it by extracting as many high-quality resources as possible from waste. The aim is to promote growth by transitioning to a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy.
The Waste Framework Directive is the EU’s legal framework for treating and managing waste in the EU. It introduces an order of preference for waste management called the “waste hierarchy”.
Certain categories of waste require specific approaches. Therefore, in addition to the overarching legal framework, the EU has numerous laws to address various types of waste.
Objectives
EU waste policy aims to protect the environment and human health and help the EU’s transition to a circular economy. It sets objectives and aims to:-
- Improve waste management
- Stimulate innovation in recycling
- Limit landfilling
Policies
EU rules on batteries and accumulators.
EU rules on the management of construction and demolition waste.
EU measures to prevent and limit waste from vehicles once they come to their end-of-life.
EU rules to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill, as this is the most polluting way to deal with waste.
EU rules on the proper management of mining waste.
EU rules on packaging and packaging waste, including recycling targets and recycled content.
EU rules on the safe disposal of PCBs and PCTs.
EU rules restricting the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (RoHS).
EU rules regulating the use of sewage sludge, and promoting its use in agriculture.
EU rules on making ship recycling greener and safer.
EU rules on waste containing persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
EU rules on collecting and treating waste oils.
EU rules on transporting waste within and beyond EU borders.
EU rules on treating waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).
Statistics
Visit EUROSTAT for statistics on waste generation and treatment in the EU.
Contact
For questions about EU environmental policy, please contact Europe Direct.
