EU Parliament Approves Stricter Waste Shipment Controls

On 27 February 2024, the European Parliament approved revised EU procedures and control measures for waste shipments. The agreed regulation implements stricter measures to protect human health and the environment, while contributing to the EU’s climate neutrality, circular economy and zero pollution goals.  

Some background  

The rationale behind the adoption of this regulation stems from the significant increase in global waste trade, which reached 182 million tonnes in 2018, valued at approximately EUR 80.5 billion. This trade has witnessed substantial growth over the last decades, peaking at nearly 250 million tonnes in 2011. Within the EU, there has been a notable increase in waste exports to non-EU countries, totalling around 32.7 million tonnes in 2020, an increase of 75% since 2004 and a value of EUR 13 billion. The majority of exported waste consists of ferrous and non-ferrous metal scrap, paper waste, plastic waste, textile waste, and glass waste. Additionally, the EU imported approximately 16 million tonnes of waste worth EUR 13.5 billion. Moreover, intra-EU shipments of waste amount to around 67 million tonnes per year.  

While cross-border shipments of waste offer economic benefits as secondary raw materials that support the transition to a circular economy, they also pose risks to human health and the environment if not adequately regulated. Thus, the updated regulations aim to address these challenges while harnessing the economic potential of waste materials in a sustainable manner. 

Key Highlights 

Stricter Controls: The endorsed deal with the Council aims to improve the protection of the environment and human health while contributing to the EU's circular economy and zero- pollution goals. 

Export Restrictions: Exports of plastic waste to non-OECD countries will be prohibited within two and a half years after the regulation's entry into force, with stricter conditions for exports to OECD countries. 

Digitalisation of Information Exchange: The exchange of information and data on waste shipments within the EU will be digitalized through a central electronic hub, enhancing reporting and transparency. 

Enforcement Group: An enforcement group will be established to facilitate cooperation between EU countries and improve efforts to prevent and detect illegal waste shipments. 

The proposed revisions set out procedures and control measures based on various factors such as waste origin, destination, transport route, and treatment type. The adoption of this revision aligns with citizens' expectations that the EU will raise environmental standards for waste shipments and enforce stricter controls and sanctions to combat illegal exports. 

Next Steps: 

Following the final vote in plenary, formal endorsement by the Council is required before the text is published in the EU Official Journal. 

This significant development underlines the EU's commitment to promoting sustainability and environmental protection.