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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

Events

Other Events

Brussels, Belgium

June 24 2026

Textiles Recycling Expo 2026

Recycling Europe Events

IFEMA, Madrid

June 10 2026

European Recycling Conference (ERC) 2026

Recycling Europe Events

Brussels, Belgium

May 27 2026

Securing Europe’s clean transition through e-waste circularity

Other Events

May 4 2026

IFAT Munich 2026

Other Events

Estrel Hotel, Berlin, Germany

April 14 2026

28th International Recovered Paper Conference

Other Events

Hamburg, Germany

March 25 2026

IARC 2026 – Hamburg
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Who we are

Press releases & statements
11 August 2021

Joint Press Release | Discover the truth about the used clothing industry

A variety of associations involved in the used clothing trade around the world have joined forces to dispel myths about the industry. The truth is that the used clothing industry is gaining momentum with tremendous environmental, social, and economic benefits. The industry is working towards a circular economy by offering sustainable solutions for used textiles that will benefit everyone and help to reduce the major environmental impacts caused by the global fashion industry.

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Related Publications

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March 5 2026 | Press releases & statements

Industrial Accelerator Act promises speed, delivers loopholes

Brussels, 5 March 2026 – Recycling Europe welcomes the ambition behind the European Commission’s Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) to stimulate demand for low-carbon products through the creation of lead markets. However, the proposal fails to recognise one of Europe’s most effective industrial decarbonisation tools: the recycling industry. Recycling delivers immediate and large-scale CO₂ savings while […]
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February 17 2026 | Press releases & statements

Free registration Now Live for Textiles Recycling Expo 2026: Europe’s Must-Attend Circular Textile Event Returns to Brussels

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – Free registration is officially open for the second edition of the Textiles Recycling Expo, taking place 24–25 June 2026 at Brussels Expo. Following a successful inaugural event that marked a breakthrough for the textile recycling industry, excitement is building for an expanded and even more impactful gathering.  The 2025 debut was widely […]
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February 2 2026 | Press releases & statements

European recyclers strongly back a “Made in Europe” preference to strengthen circular value chains

Brussels, 2 February 2026 – European recyclers strongly support the call for a European Preference that puts materials ‘made in the EU’ at the heart of Europe’s industrial and economic strategy, while safeguarding open and unhampered markets for recycled materials. A proactive “Made in Europe” policy is essential to strengthen Europe’s industrial base, secure strategic […]