Directive 2008/98/EC (consolidated version as of 30 Jun 2024)
Directive 2008/98/EC, known as the Waste Framework Directive, sets the foundation for EU waste management policy and the transition to a circular economy. It introduces the waste hierarchy—prevention, preparing for reuse, recycling, recovery, and disposal—as the guiding principle for all waste-related actions.
The directive defines key concepts such as by-products and end-of-waste status, and strengthens Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, now mandatory for textiles by 2025. It requires separate collection of bio-waste from 1 January 2024, alongside paper, metal, plastic, and glass, to improve recycling and composting.
Updated targets include:
– Municipal waste recycling: 55% by 2025, 60% by 2030, 65% by 2035.
– Construction and demolition waste recovery: 70% by weight.
– Food waste reduction: 10% in processing/manufacturing and 30% per capita across retail, food services, and households by 2030.
– Textile waste: Separate collection by 2025 and EPR schemes within 18 months of entry into force.
These measures align with the European Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan, aiming to reduce landfill use, cut emissions, and promote resource efficiency.
Relevance to bio-waste and/or circular bioeconomy:
The directive mandates separate collection of bio-waste from January 2024, enabling composting and anaerobic digestion to recover nutrients and energy. It supports circular bioeconomy principles by prioritizing waste prevention, resource recovery, and valorisation of organic waste streams. These measures reduce landfill disposal, cut methane emissions, and foster sustainable soil management, contributing to EU climate and resource efficiency targets.
EU (EEA relevance)
Full title: Consolidated text: Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on waste and repealing certain Directives (Text with EEA relevance)
Publication date: 2008 (consolidated 2024)
Instrument type: Directive
Binding for EU MS: Yes
Keywords: waste management, waste prevention, recycling, circular economy, bio-waste, separate collection, resource efficiency, end-of-waste criteria, extended producer responsibility, food waste reduction