The EU has invested heavily in recycling infrastructure — creating more than 300,000 jobs and building one of the strongest circular economies in the world.
But a regulatory loophole now allows imported plastic waste to count toward the EU’s recycling and recycled-content targets.
This is quietly destabilizing Europe’s recycling sector.
Billions have been invested in advanced recycling facilities across the EU. If these plants can’t access enough locally collected waste, they can’t operate effectively — or at all.
More than 300,000 workers depend on Europe’s recycling value chain. Unfair competition from imported waste puts those jobs at risk.
Europe maintains strict rules for transparency, safety, and environmental oversight. Imported waste streams may not meet the same standards, raising concerns about quality, contamination, and monitoring.
A circular economy only works when Europe recycles its own waste. Counting imported materials toward EU goals makes Europe dependent on external waste streams instead of strengthening its internal system.
To meet ambitious recycling targets, some market actors are turning to cheaper imported waste.
Because the EU currently allows this material to count toward its goals, the system unintentionally:
This simple step will protect jobs, safeguard investments, ensure that consumers are not unfairly burdened by the costs of ineffective waste systems, and keep the EU on track toward a fair and effective circular transition.
