The European Parliament is voting on whether to restrict recyclers from trading in waste containing chemicals banned in virgin materials.
While the vote is not on draft legislation, it responds to a European Commission call for views.
The Council of Ministers has already made a strong call to detox products and waste, and in doing so it would improve recycling and lower chemical exposure.
This year’s REB Market Intelligence Summit is taking place on 2 October and will look at end destinations for materials. Find out more here
European Environmental Bureau senior policy officer for chemicals Tatiana Santos said: “The waste sector has a free pass on certain chemical laws. We understand some recyclers even actively oppose chemical restrictions, preferring to turn a blind eye. Detoxifying waste is a challenge, and the sector can only play the cards that product makers deal. But with chemical pollution and exposure getting worse, both product makers and recyclers need to raise their game.”
