Navigating Waste Legislation
In recent years, waste management within the EU has been governed by the Waste Framework Directive (WFD). This directive establishes measures to protect the environment and human health by preventing or reducing the negative impacts of waste production and management, while also minimizing resource consumption and improving efficiency.
In 2023, the European Commission introduced an amendment to the Waste Framework Directive (WFD), which was swiftly approved by the European Parliament. This amendment places greater emphasis on the food and textile sectors, aiming to address the specific challenges faced by these industries.
A key aspect of the WFD is its waste hierarchy, a framework that prioritizes actions based on their environmental impact. It guides Member States to implement measures that achieve the best overall outcomes. Proper waste management is closely linked to the Circular Economy, where resources are reused, recycled, and repurposed rather than discarded.
At the top of this hierarchy is prevention, which focuses on avoiding waste altogether. An important element of prevention is the concept of by-products, materials that, although not the primary product, retain their status as goods and are never classified as waste. Since by-products do not lose their intrinsic value, they fall under prevention and are closely aligned with circular economy principles.
Further down the hierarchy are preparing for re-use and recycling. The concept of end-of-waste applies at these stages. End-of-waste refers to materials that were initially classified as waste but, through recycling or preparation for re-use, are transformed and reintroduced into the production process. While by-products are never considered waste, end-of-waste materials start as waste but are processed to regain value and utility, contributing to resource efficiency and circularity.
But when can excess materials be considered by-products rather than waste?
How can waste materials achieve end-of-waste status, and what criteria must be met?
What documentation do companies need to comply with waste management regulations?
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These are just a few of the questions we address in this guide. We provide clear definitions of key concepts such as waste, by-products, and end-of-waste status, offering practical examples and the necessary documentation required for companies. This guide will help you navigate the complexities of the WFD and integrate circular economy principles into your operations.
Download the guide here —> https://eepurl.com/iLC1eY
We hope you find it useful, and we would love to hear your thoughts!
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