European recyclers fear market collapse

The European recycling industry body EuRIC is urging policymakers in Brussels to postpone the deadline for the new EU Waste Shipment Regulation to allow non-OECD countries more time to adapt and prevent ‘a market collapse’.

Recyclers are sounding the alarm again amid fears the WSR could disrupt international trade in recycled materials and weaken the competitiveness of European recyclers.

Under the new rules, non-OECD countries must submit a request by 21 February to continue importing recycled materials from the EU. If they fail to do so, exports to nearly 150 countries will be banned after 21 May 2027.

According to EuRIC, many countries will struggle to meet the EU’s complex requirements in time, jeopardising existing trade relationships and destabilising recycling markets. It suggests the deadline is extended by at least six months.

Administrative barrier  

EuRIC says the administrative burden for non-OECD countries is substantial. The regulation demands extensive data collection and lengthy questionnaires, a significant challenge for governments with limited resources. The recyclers’ body accuses the EU of a ‘lack of clear communication’, leaving many countries unaware of the economic consequences.

This could disrupt international markets, shrink Europe’s recycling industry, increase landfill waste, and weaken public trust in waste separation, it argues.

Urgent measures needed

To safeguard the European recycling industry, EuRIC proposes five ‘urgent’ measures:

• A flexible approach to the 21 February 2025 deadline or extending it by at least six months.
• Postponing the 2027 export rules to allow companies time to adjust without paralysing supply chains.
• Active dialogue with third countries to secure markets and industry competitiveness.
• Transparency on feedback from non-OECD countries, including a public record of requests submitted under Annex VIII of the WSR.
• Early ongoing dialogue with third countries to identify and address trade barriers.