
Main laws: Waste Framework Directive and other EU waste laws
Connected topics: Chemicals, Circular economy, Industry, Plastics, Secondary raw materials, Sustainable development, Water
Connected strategies: Chemicals strategy for sustainability, Circular economy action plan
Connected Commission priorities: European Green Deal
Overview
EU waste policy aims to contribute to the circular economy by extracting high-quality resources from waste as much as possible. The European Green Deal aims to promote growth by transitioning to a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy. As part of this transition, several EU waste laws will be reviewed.
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, as well as the overarching legal framework, the EU has many laws to address different 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 targets to
- improve waste management
- stimulate innovation in recycling
- limit landfilling
Specific policies
Batteries and accumulators
Biodegradable waste
Construction and demolition waste
End-of-life vehicles
Landfill waste
Mining waste
Packaging waste
Polychlorinated biphenyls and polychlorinated terphenyls (PCBs/PCTs)
Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS)
Sewage sludge
Ships
Waste containing POPs
Waste oil
Waste shipments
Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
Actions
Law
Implementation
Statistics
Contact
For more information about EU waste policy, please contact our functional mailbox.