Regulation (EU) 2024/1157
Regulation (EU) 2024/1157 establishes a modernized framework for the shipment of waste within, into, and out of the European Union. It aims to strengthen environmental protection and support the circular economy by tightening controls on waste exports, particularly to non-OECD countries, and ensuring that waste is managed in an environmentally sound manner.
The regulation simplifies procedures for intra-EU shipments of non-hazardous waste intended for recovery, promoting resource efficiency and reducing administrative burdens. A key innovation is the introduction of a mandatory digital waste shipment system, which enhances transparency, traceability, and enforcement against illegal waste trafficking.
By discouraging exports and prioritizing local treatment, the law fosters investment in EU recycling and recovery infrastructure. It also aligns waste shipment rules with broader EU sustainability objectives, ensuring consistency with climate and resource efficiency targets. This regulation replaces Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006 and updates related legislation to reflect technological progress and policy priorities. Ultimately, it seeks to close material loops, reduce environmental risks, and accelerate the transition toward a circular economy.
Relevance to bio-waste and/or circular bioeconomy:
Bio-waste is classified as “green waste” (BEU05), allowing easier cross-border transport within the EU for recovery. The regulation promotes valorisation options such as composting and anaerobic digestion over disposal, supporting renewable energy generation and nutrient recycling. By discouraging exports and encouraging local treatment, it strengthens regional circular solutions and facilitates specialized recovery facilities for organic waste streams.
EU (EEA relevance)
Full title: Regulation (EU) 2024/1157 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 on shipments of waste, amending Regulations (EU) No 1257/2013 and (EU) 2020/1056 and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006 (Text with EEA relevance)
Publication date: 2024
Instrument type: Regulation
Binding for EU MS: Yes
Keywords: waste shipment, bio-waste, circular economy, waste treatment, recycling, composting, anaerobic digestion, illegal waste exports, digital tracking, environmental sound management