Level up EU circular economy: Unlock the power of mixed waste sorting

As the European Union undergoes a crucial revision of its Waste Framework Directive, there is a pressing need for bold and innovative strategies to address the crisis of waste incineration and landfilling, write Axel Darut and Janek Vahk.

Axel Darut is public affairs associate at the Australian Minderoo Foundation and Janek Vahk is zero pollution policy manager at Zero Waste Europe

The urgency of this call stems from the stark reality of our current waste management practices. Despite considerable progress in recycling and waste reduction initiatives, Europe continues to struggle with its unsustainable dependence on incineration and landfilling.

According to Eurostat, in 2022, only 48% of EU municipal waste was recycled, indicating that most waste ends up either being incinerated or sent to landfills. These practices not only contribute to resource depletion but also inflict irreparable harm on ecosystems and human health, emitting greenhouse gases and toxic pollutants into the atmosphere.

Embracing mixed waste sorting in addition to separate collection offers a paradigm shift in our approach to waste management.

While the EU waste law rightly emphasizes separate collection to facilitate recycling, there is a pressing need to address the waste that currently bypasses separate collections through further sorting of waste prior to incineration and landfilling.

Twenty years ago, the feasibility of relying on ‘dirty MRFs’ (material recovery facilities) to extract materials for recycling was questioned. However, sorting technologies have since improved significantly.

Through automated processes such as optical sorting and magnetic separation, these facilities can efficiently extract recyclable materials from mixed waste streams, diverting them from incinerators and landfills.

One of the foremost advantages of mixed waste sorting is its capacity to maximize resource recovery.  It crucially recovers recyclable materials previously lost to landfills and incinerators, conserving finite resources and reducing emissions by lowering the demand for virgin materials.

Additionally, MWS supports achieving ambitious EU recycling targets, moving us closer to a truly circular economy. Its success depends on integration with broader strategies that prioritize waste reduction, encourage responsible consumption, and continuously improve separate collection practices.

Critics may argue that the implementation of mixed waste sorting poses logistical and financial challenges. Indeed, transitioning to this innovative approach requires substantial investment in infrastructure and technology, as well as concerted efforts to educate and mobilize stakeholders.

However, the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial costs, yielding significant savings in waste management expenditures and alleviating the burden on strained landfill capacities.

Furthermore, MWS would significantly contribute to achieving the 2030 recycling targets, especially with the revisions to the PPWR aimed at improving recyclability and increased investments in circular economy solutions. This would improve the chances of EU countries meeting their municipal waste recycling targets.

The EU is progressively recognizing the significance of MWS. The Sustainable Finance Package acknowledges it within the circular economy taxonomy, and the revised Renewable Energy Directive (REDIII) empowers Member States to mandate MWS specifically for fossil-based materials like plastics and textiles.

The EU needs a comprehensive and future-oriented waste management policy that strategically combines MWS with unwavering commitments to waste prevention, reuse, and recycling. This integrated approach will ensure a Europe that values its resources and safeguards the environment for generations to come.

In the light of these considerations, we urge members of the European Parliament to seize the opportunity presented by the current revision of the Waste Framework Directive and integrate mixed waste sorting as a complementary solution to separate collection to divert valuable resources from landfills and incinerators.

The time for action is now. Mixed Waste Sorting is a crucial step, not a final solution. Let us embrace this opportunity to build a truly sustainable future.