BIR Raises Concerns Over EU Waste Shipment Proposal
The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) has raised concerns about a European Commission draft delegated act under the EU Waste Shipment Regulation.
The proposed act includes a draft list of non-OECD countries that could receive certain non-hazardous waste from the European Union.
Published on 18 September, the draft excludes several major Asian destinations, including India, Malaysia and Thailand, from authorisations to receive ferrous and non-ferrous metal waste for recovery.
BIR has warned that the proposed approach could affect international recycling markets and disrupt established circular supply chains.
Export Restrictions Could Affect Recycling Markets
According to BIR, restricting exports would not automatically create enough demand or processing capacity within Europe to absorb the affected volumes and material grades.
The organisation cautions that this could place downward pressure on recycled material prices.
Lower prices could, in turn, weaken incentives for collection and affect investment required to maintain future supplies of recycled materials.
Metals can retain their intrinsic properties through repeated recycling cycles. International trade enables different grades of recyclable metals to reach processing facilities and markets that can use them productively.
BIR particularly highlights aluminium, where European supply, demand and processing capacity may not match the requirements of every grade.
Europe Faces Aluminium Processing Capacity Concerns
Earlier this year, BIR responded to the European Commission’s consultation on EU aluminium scrap availability.
The organisation highlighted that Europe generates more recycled aluminium than its domestic facilities can technically absorb.
BIR says this capacity issue is also relevant to the Commission’s current proposal.
The organisation recognises the Commission’s objective of ensuring environmentally sound waste management.
However, BIR maintains that any restrictions should be proportionate and supported by robust evidence.
It also calls for meaningful engagement with recycling industries, industry associations and governments affected by the proposal, particularly in non-OECD countries.
Stakeholders Urged to Respond Before 16 October
The European Commission’s public consultation remains open until 16 October 2026.
BIR is encouraging its members, industry associations, businesses and relevant governments to participate in the consultation.
Stakeholders are being asked to submit factual corrections, supporting evidence and practical case studies. These submissions can help assess whether the proposed country and waste-stream authorisations are appropriate.
BIR Prepares Consolidated Industry Response
BIR is preparing a consolidated response representing industry concerns and remains available to work with the European Commission, diplomatic missions and relevant authorities.
The organisation is seeking a legislative framework that supports environmental protection while maintaining responsible recycling practices and resilient supply chains.
BIR also supports continued free and fair trade in recycled materials as part of functioning global circular supply chains.
