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.

Who we are

4 August 2026

VACANCY: Policy Advisor

Start date: As soon as possible, preferably by 14 September 2026
Contract duration: Permanent

Location: Brussels, Belgium
Application deadline: 21 August

________________________________________________________________________

Do you want to shape the future of recycled materials in Europe?

Recycling Europe (formerly EuRIC) is the voice of Europe’s recycling industry, representing 84 national federations and companies across 24 EU & EFTA countries, plus the UK. From metals and paper to plastics, packaging, textiles, tyres, ships, ELVs, construction & demolition waste and WEEE, our members transform waste into valuable resources, strengthening Europe’s circular economy, resource security, and industrial competitiveness.

Based in Brussels, our team works closely with EU institutions, industry, civil society, and technical experts to shape ambitious and practical policies that support recycling, strategic autonomy, and the transition to a circular economy.

As the EU enters a new legislative cycle, key policy files will include the Circular Economy Act, the revision of the WEEE Directive, measures to improve the availability of strategic recycled materials—including aluminium scrap—within Europe, and broader initiatives on industrial competitiveness and trade.

We are looking for a Policy Advisor – Non-Ferrous Metals and E-waste with the following experience and skills:

  • 3 years of relevant experience in EU public affairs, circular economy, sustainability, industrial, trade, or environmental policy.
  • Strong knowledge of metal recycling, e-waste, and circular economy policies.
  • Good understanding of key EU legislation affecting the recycling sector, including the Circular Economy Act, , the revision of the WEEE Directive ,Waste Framework Directive, Waste Shipment Regulation, Critical Raw Materials Act, Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation and related trade and industrial policy initiatives.
  • Understanding of policy and market issues relating to recycled materials, including aluminium and copper scrap.
  • Solid knowledge of EU policymaking and stakeholder engagement.
  • Experience drafting policy papers, consultation responses, amendments, and advocacy materials.
  • Experience engaging with EU institutions, industry associations, and other stakeholders.
  • Strong analytical, communication, organisational, and project management skills.
  • Excellent written and spoken English; additional EU languages are an asset.
  • Experience in an industry association, consultancy, EU institution, or corporate public affairs is an advantage.

Your main responsibilities:

  • Lead Recycling Europe’s work on non-ferrous metals, e-waste circularity, aluminium recycling.
  • Monitor and analyse EU legislative and market developments affecting aluminium, copper, WEEE, and other non-ferrous metal recycling value chains.
  • Lead advocacy on the revision of the WEEE Directive, the upcoming Circular Economy Act, and initiatives aimed at improving the availability and efficient use of recycled materials in Europe, including measures concerning aluminium scrap.
  • Develop policy positions, consultation responses, amendments, technical recommendations, briefing notes, and presentations.
  • Coordinate with members, technical experts, and external stakeholders to build common advocacy positions across the metals recycling sector.
  • Represent Recycling Europe at meetings with the European Commission, European Parliament, Council, industry associations, conferences, and expert working groups.
  • Contribute to policy initiatives related to circularity, resource security, industrial competitiveness, trade, and strategic raw materials.


What we offer:

  • A permanent contract of 38 hours per week.
  • Competitive salary based on experience.
  • A comprehensive benefits package including a monthly teleworking allowance, public transport subscription, meal vouchers, increased eco-cheques, DKV health insurance, an annual sports and culture allowance, and a pension scheme.
  • Flexible working arrangements (teleworking up to two days per week).
  • Annual budget for training and professional development.
  • Professional equipment (laptop, work phone & subscription, office equipment)

Eligibility

Applicants must hold EU citizenship or a valid EU residence and work permit.

To apply, please send your CV and motivation letter to info@recyclingeurope.org with the subject line ” Policy Advisor – Non-Ferrous Metals_Your Name.”

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The deadline to apply is 21 August, and interviews will be held during the week of 24 August.

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