Reevaluating Waste Incineration Practices in the EU: Urging a Pan-European Moratorium

In the context of the European Union's (EU) waste management landscape, a recent report produced by Equanimator sheds light on some crucial dynamics surrounding waste incineration. As the EU strives to meet its ambitious recycling targets and address climate change concerns, it's imperative to critically examine the role of incineration and its capacity within the waste management hierarchy. The report offers insights into the capacity, utilization, and potential future scenarios of waste incineration, providing an opportunity for policymakers and stakeholders to rethink their strategies.

Capacity and Utilization: An Overview

According to the report, in 2020, the EU had significant waste incineration capacity, with approximately 183.5 million tonnes at R1 facilities and 15.3 million tonnes at D10 facilities. The total combined capacity of R1 and D10 facilities stood at 198.8 million tonnes. Over the years, this capacity has been steadily increasing, albeit with potential disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, when examining the actual waste treated in 2020, only 10.5 million tonnes of hazardous waste and 128.2 million tonnes of non-hazardous waste were processed through these facilities. This suggests a substantial existing capacity surplus - around 60 million tonnes. Furthermore, data indicate that over 90% of non-hazardous waste treated at D10 and R1 facilities originates from just seven waste categories, with the bulk coming from household and similar wastes, sorting residues, and mixed and undifferentiated materials.

UKWIN published a similar study on over capacities in the UK, while, similarly, a study conducted by NABU showed that waste incineration capacities in Germany could be reduced from 26.3 million tonnes to 17 million tonnes.

Rethinking Waste Management Strategies

The report underscores the need for a pragmatic approach to waste management, considering the evolving landscape of recycling targets and environmental priorities. It suggests several key points for policymakers to consider:

1. Addressing Overcapacity: The EU must acknowledge the issue of overcapacity, which currently stands at around 60 million tonnes. Rather than perpetuating the construction of new facilities, a coordinated approach is needed to manage this surplus capacity effectively.

2. Harmonizing EU-Wide Waste Management: As waste frequently crosses borders within the EU, a coordinated, EU-wide strategy is essential. Member States should work together to avoid unnecessary facility construction and assess the environmental impact of each decision.

3. Reevaluating Incineration's Role: The report proposes classifying incineration as a disposal operation, aligning it with its role in the waste hierarchy. By doing so, it could allow greater flexibility for Member States to pursue higher recycling rates.

4. Advanced Sorting Facilities: To maximize the potential of waste incineration, emphasis should be placed on advanced sorting facilities for municipal waste. These facilities can extract recyclable materials and reduce the calorific value of residual waste, making it more suitable for incineration.

5. Eliminating the 10% Landfill Quota: Disapplying the 10% landfill limit, especially when waste has been properly pre-treated, could provide more flexibility for Member States to manage their waste sustainably.

Conclusion: Towards a Balanced Approach

The new report on waste incineration within the EU highlights the existence of significant over-capacities at the EU level. The report suggests that 5% of capacities could be retired annually. In this context, it is imperative to reassess its role in light of evolving recycling targets and environmental concerns.

A balanced approach to waste management should prioritize advanced sorting facilities to maximize recycling, reconsider the 10% landfill quota, and harmonize strategies across EU Member States to avoid unnecessary facility construction. With careful coordination and a pragmatic approach, the EU can navigate the challenge of overcapacity and continue to manage waste in an environmentally responsible manner while meeting its ambitious recycling goals.

As we approach the assessment deadline set by Article 12 of the Waste Framework Directive in 2024, it is the perfect time for the EU to reevaluate and reshape its waste management policies to ensure a sustainable and environmentally sound future.