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What we recycle

Plastics

Plastics are composed of polymers i.e., compounds made of many small molecules.

Ferrous metals

Ferrous metals, primarily composed of iron, include materials like steel and cast iron, which are commonly found in construction, manufacturing, and transportation.

Non-Ferrous metals

Non-ferrous metals, such as aluminum, copper, lead, zinc, and titanium, do not contain iron and are valued for their resistance to corrosion and high conductivity.

Paper

Recycled paper is a versatile material that can replace or supplement virgin pulp to create new products like packaging, newspapers, and insulation.

Textiles

Textiles, including both synthetic fibers like polyester and natural fibers like cotton, are integral to daily life, with global production nearly tripling since 1975.

Tyres

Tyres contain multiple valuable materials such as rubber (75%), steel (15%) and textile fibres (10%).

Construction & Demolition

Construction and demolition (C&D) waste includes materials like concrete, bricks, wood, metals, glass, plastics, and hazardous substances such as asbestos.

End-of-life Vehicles

End-of-life Vehicles (ELVs) contain valuable materials like metals (steel, aluminum), plastics, rubber, and glass, as well as batteries.

E-waste

E-waste, otherwise referred to as waste electronical and electronic equipment (WEEE), is mainly composed of non-ferrous metals (nickel, copper, lead, etc.

Ships

End-of-life ships are decommissioned vessels that contain valuable materials like steel, metals, and electronics, along with hazardous substances such as asbestos, oils, and toxic chemicals.

Explore

Our upcoming events

Recycling Europe Events

Brussels, Belgium

March 18 2027

9th European Recycling Conference (ERC) 2027

Our sponsored events

Other Events

Rimini, Italy

November 3 2026

Ecomondo 2026

Other Events

Brussels, Belgium

November 4 2026

Closing the loop on solar: circularity and digital traceability for PV panels

Other Events

Jaipur, India

January 18 2027

The 14th International Material Recycling Conference & Exposition
See All Events

Who we are

Press releases & statements
7 September 2026

Ukraine’s UTRA joins Recycling Europe’s Textiles Branch

Brussels, 7 September 2026 – Recycling Europe is pleased to welcome the Ukrainian Textile Recycling Association (UTRA) as the newest member of its Textiles branch, further strengthening the European network working to advance textile circularity.

UTRA represents Ukraine’s textile collection, sorting, reuse, and recycling sector, bringing together stakeholders working to advance a modern circular textile industry. The Association promotes legislation aligned with European standards, supports the development of collection and sorting infrastructure, advocates for extended producer responsibility and eco-design, and helps create the conditions for greater investment and innovation across the sector.

Julia Ettinger, Secretary-General of Recycling Europe, said: “We are delighted to welcome UTRA to Recycling Europe Textiles. Ukraine already plays an important role in the European reuse market, receiving significant volumes of second-hand clothing from across Europe. We look forward to working together to strengthen this role and ensure that the right policy framework and market conditions are in place to support reuse and further develop Ukraine’s contribution to Europe’s circular textile economy. Strengthening cooperation across Europe is essential to building resilient, competitive and circular textile value chains.”

Andrii Serban,Head of the Ukrainian Textile Recycling Association said: “European rules and policy decisions have a significant and direct impact on the Ukrainian textile market. For us, joining Recycling Europe is therefore an opportunity to participate in the professional dialogue, better understand upcoming regulatory changes and turn European expertise into practical solutions for Ukraine. We want to help establish clear and workable rules for businesses, develop the necessary infrastructure and ensure that the interests and experience of Ukrainian companies are taken into account. Through this cooperation, we aim to create new opportunities for investment, innovation and Ukraine’s closer integration into the European market.”

By joining Recycling Europe, UTRA will help advance circular textile policies while contributing the expertise of Ukraine’s textile reuse and recycling sector, further strengthening cooperation with the European industry.

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September 18 2026 | Press releases & statements

New EU draft non-OECD list puts Europe’s metal recyclers at risk as major Asian markets face exclusion

Brussels, 18 September 2026 – Recycling Europe strongly condemns the European Commission’s proposed treatment of ferrous and non-ferrous metal waste under its draft list of non-OECD countries published today, which would effectively shut EU recycled metals out of major non-OECD Asian markets. The consequences for European recyclers could be severe, and equally concerning is the […]
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September 16 2026 | Press releases & statements

Joint Statement on draft delegated act on the Green-Listing Initiative for Waste Shipments

The signatories to this statement represent companies and industries operating across the European recycling ecosystem. Our members are active at different stages of the circular value chain, including the collection, sorting, pre-treatment and processing of end-of-life products and waste, as well as the smelting and refining of metals and other secondary raw materials. Together, our […]
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September 15 2026 | Press releases & statements

Joint Letter: Call to reject Indian beaching yards from the EU Ship Recycling List

Dear Commissioner Jessika ROSWALL and Commissioner Stéphane SÉJOURNÉ, We are writing to express our serious concerns regarding the Commission’s proposal to approve two beaching yards in the 16th list of ship recycling facilities. As reflected in the numerous responses to the Commission’s consultation on the matter1 and in this letter, a diverse range of stakeholders, […]