Europe

Energy-from-waste incinerator
ZWE: Stop classifying energy-from-waste as ‘recovery’

A new study by Equanimator and Zero Waste Europe (ZWE) has found that the energy efficiencies of EU waste incinerators are 'appallingly low'. Titled ‘Debunking Efficient Recovery: the Performance of EU Incineration Facilities’, it found that typical efficiencies are around the mid-20s per cent in the best cases. This was especially true for the generation of electricity.

The textile industry
Zero-waste textile industry possible

The reuse of textiles leads to 70 per cent less environmental impact than the production of new clothing

EP Plenary session - EU Shipments of waste
MEPs agree to back plastic waste export bans

The vote comes ahead of negotiations on a new law revising EU waste shipments

Irish flag
What can be expected from Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme?
By
Amelia Kelly
| 14 December 2022 |
Republic of Ireland’s DRS has opened for registration by producers and retailers
Pile of portable batteries
EU to introduce new laws around battery recycling
By
Savannah Coombe
| 12 December 2022 |
The new regulation aims to improve sustainability throughout the life cycle of batteries
European Commission
What do EU plastic and packaging reforms mean for the industry?
By
Savannah Coombe
| 6 December 2022 |
Legislation aims to decrease instances of overpackaging and the use of virgin materials
waste shipments
FEAD urges safe and efficient waste shipments
By
Amelia Kelly
| 11 October 2022 |
The association offers proposals ahead of the upcoming rapporteurs’ meeting on 12 October
European Commission
European Commission takes legal steps against Member States on single-use plastics
By
Amelia Kelly
| 4 October 2022 |
The body plans to call on 11 Member States to implement the Single-Use Plastics Directive
european flags outside of building
Energy crisis will have ‘disastrous’ impact on European recycling ambitions
By
Alice Lang
| 22 September 2022 |
With rising costs hindering recycling initiatives, Europe’s transition to circularity is now at risk
pile of food waste
Feedback: EU must consider legally binding food waste reduction targets
By
Alice Lang
| 21 September 2022 |
The group proposes a plan to address the 153.5 million tonnes of EU food lost each year
incinerator
ZWE responds to European Parliament’s new position on RED III
By
Amelia Kelly
| 20 September 2022 |
The position includes new sorting and collection obligations for waste directed to incineration
Soil
New EU rules aim to market more organic and waste-based fertilisers
By
Amelia Kelly
| 18 July 2022 |
Fertilisers made from organic waste material could replace 30 per cent of mined fertilisers
biomass
European Parliament calls for better regulation of energy from biomass
By
Amelia Kelly
| 13 July 2022 |
The measures aim to reduce distortion of the raw material market and environmental impacts
eu flags
EU aims to ‘end greenwashing’ with climate impact reporting
By
Amelia Kelly
| 23 June 2022 |
Large companies will need to publicly disclose management of social affairs, governance, and environmental risks
EfW
ZWE welcomes plans to include incinerators in ETS
By
Emma Love
| 22 June 2022 |
The European Parliament has approved the facilities’ inclusion from 2026 onward
European Commission
European Commission to consult on Waste Framework revision
By
Emma Love
| 25 May 2022 |
The consultation will focus on the setting of food waste reduction targets, amongst other issues
european flag
ZWE: ENVI Committee decisions will ‘help accelerate circular economy transition’
By
Amelia Kelly
| 17 May 2022 |
The organisation endorsed decisions on the Renewable Energy Directive and the EU Emissions Trading System
scrap metal
EUROFER warns of the shortcomings to current Waste Shipment Regulations
By
Amelia Kelly
| 13 May 2022 |
It urges the end of waste and scrap exports to countries not meeting EU environment standards
EU parliament
MEPs push for reduction of harmful chemicals in waste
By
Emma Love
| 5 May 2022 |
The European Parliament has adopted its negotiation position for new rules on POPs, calling for stricter limits
Clothes on hangers
Eunomia report calls for EU EPR for textiles
By
Emma Love
| 10 March 2022 |
The introduction of such a policy could tackle over-consumption and improve product design
EfW plant
ZWE highlights ‘unnecessary alliance’ between export ban and incineration
By
Alice Lang
| 3 February 2022 |
Research finds the expansion of EU incineration capacity 'unnecessary and avoidable'
Leinster House
Ireland reveals first national circular economy strategy
By
Kai Malloy
| 20 December 2021 |
Plan is key step in country’s aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 51 per cent
European Commission
European Commission approves Veolia/Suez merger
By
Kai Malloy
| 15 December 2021 |
The approval is conditional on the basis of total compliance with a commitments package