Summary
In March 2020, the European Commission adopted a renewed EU Circular Economy Action plan. It promotes sustainable product design, waste reduction and sustainable growth as pre-requisites of reaching the objectives of the EU Green Deal, and of the 2050 climate-neutrality.
+ 50%
of base metals produced in Europe come from recycling
2/3
EU e-waste is not recycled properly
Why it’s important
Achieving a metals Circular Economy will contribute to Europe’s green & digital transition, reducing import dependency and increasing domestic and sustainable supply of raw materials for strategic value chains.
Collectively, we can do more to make sure Europe’s waste metals reach high-quality recyclers. Too many are still discarded, exported, or improperly recycled, despite EU metals demand increasing in line with the climate transition.
What we are seeking
Europe should make it a priority to build on its recycling leadership and improve the supply of metals and other strategic materials for the green and digital transitions. In particular:
- Support high-quality treatment of metals
- Streamline European waste flows to high-quality recyclers
- Ensure exported waste is recycled under equivalent conditions
- Promote the safe recycling of hazardous substances in a Circular Economy.