Europe’s ambition to remove persistent organic pollutants from material cycles requires rules that are measurable and compatible with circular economy objectives. In this 2024 position paper, EERA warned that lower UTC limits for PBDEs could restrict WEEE plastics recycling before reliable testing methods are available. EERA recommended a 500 mg/kg limit, with any reduction to 200 mg/kg taking effect no earlier than 1 January 2030.

Reducing persistent organic pollutants is essential, but regulatory limits must be measurable and technically achievable. In its 2022 statement, EERA warned that lower UTC limits for PBDEs could restrict WEEE plastics recycling. We called for a stable 500 mg/kg limit for at least three years, allowing time to develop and validate more robust testing methods.

Treating waste containing ozone-depleting substances requires specialist capacity, effective enforcement and clear responsibility for treatment costs. In this 2022 position statement, we set out the conditions needed to expand compliant treatment, prevent ODS emissions and support investment in appropriate recycling infrastructure

We want more plastics from WEEE to be recovered and returned to the market as secondary raw materials. This position paper sets out our recommendations on POP BFR thresholds, technical feasibility, investment and the need to bring more WEEE plastics into proper collection and recycling channels.

Different interpretations of the WEEE Directive created unequal operating conditions for recyclers across Europe. In this 2022 position paper, we called for an EU WEEE Regulation with more harmonised requirements for product design, collection, treatment, waste shipments and recycling targets.

EERA's position on establishing mandatory European standards for WEEE collection, logistics, preparation for reuse and treatment to support consistent quality and a level playing field across the EU.