End of Waste Criteria to achieve a Toxic-Free Circular Economy in the EU

End of Waste: key principles and safeguards for clear, consistent and enforceable criteria anchored in the protection of human health and the environment

To support its transition to a circular economy, the EU wants to boost the use of waste-derived materials, also commonly referred to as ‘secondary raw materials’.

To this end, the Commission has made a proposal on End-of-Waste (EoW) criteria, which lays the groundwork for transitioning towards a European market for recycled plastics. But as it stands, the proposal has gaps, especially on chemicals, which will undermine the long-term circular economy in Europe and beyond.

To address these gaps, the Rethink Plastic alliance – including the EEB – made concrete recommendations in this briefing, as well as in its response to the Commission’s consultation.

EU EoW policy must be driven by transparency and traceability, clarity and enforceability, and non-toxicity. This will enable genuine circularity, ensure high protection of human health and the environment, and support the EU’s leadership in high-quality waste-derived materials.