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.

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EU-27 EFR Steel Scrap Specification

In replacement of all previous EFR specifications, whether standing alone or jointly agreed with other legal entities. Originally published in May 2007

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Recycling Europe Annual Report 2025

Recycling Europe has published its Annual Report for 2025. The Annual Report provides a summary of the collective achievements of the members, partners, sponsors, Branches and the Secretariat in 2025 across the fields of metals, e-waste, packaging, plastics, paper, tyres, End-of-life Vehicles (ELVs), waste shipments, textiles, construction and demolition, and ship recycling. 2025 has been […]

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EU Recyclers’ Roadmap: For a circular & future-proof e-waste sector

Between 2012 and 2021, the amount of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) generated in the EU increased from 7 Mt to 8,4 Mt (+ 20%) [1], making WEEE one of the fastest growing waste streams in Europe and globally. WEEE recycling plays a crucial role in decarbonising the WEEE value chain and contributes significantly […]

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EU Recyclers’ Manifesto: Removing barriers to paper circularity

Paper recycling is one of Europe’s greatest circular economy achievements. For decades, it has quietly delivered what the Green Deal now aims to scale up: resource savings, lower energy use, reduced CO2 emissions, and sustainable value chains rooted in Europe. Every tonne of recovered paper keeps raw materials in the loop, supports thousands of jobs, and reduces […]

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EU Recyclers’ Manifesto: For a competitive tyre recycling sector

Each year, the EU generates around 3 million tonnes of end-of-life tyres, but only 50% are recycled, with the rest incinerated for energy recovery. While EU legislation has boosted tyre collection systems, mechanical recycling remains underused despite its clear CO₂ reduction benefits. Recyclers face major challenges, including low market demand for recycled materials, lack of […]

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EU Recyclers’ key policy asks for the Circular Economy Act

Circularity is no longer a niche environmental ambition – it is fast becoming a defining pillar of Europe’s industrial strategy. Amid mounting geopolitical pressures, volatile supply chains, and climate emergencies, the ability to retain materials, reduce resource dependence, and lower emissions has moved to the core of EU policymaking. This shift is visible across several […]

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EuRIC Annual Report 2024

EuRIC, the European Recycling Industries’ Confederation has published its Annual Report for 2024. The Annual Report provides a summary of the collective achievements of the members, partners, sponsors, Branches and the Secretariat in 2024 across the fields of metals, e-waste, packaging, plastics, paper, tyres, End-of-life Vehicles (ELVs), waste shipments, textiles, construction and demolition, and ship […]

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EU Recyclers’ Manifesto: Increasing textiles circularity by 2030

Each EU citizen generates about 16 kg of textile waste annually, but only 4.4 kg is collected separately within the EU for reuse and recycling. The majority goes to mixed household waste, ending up in incinerators or landfills. The textile sector significantly impacts the environment, being the 3rd largest contributor to environmental pressure on water […]

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EU Recyclers’ Circular Economy Action Plan for Recycled Metals

The metals and steel recycling industry is vital for the EU’s climate and environmental goals, as well as its strategic autonomy. A strong European metals recycling sector is not just vital for maintaining a competitive metal value chain, but also for ensuring that the EU meets its emission reduction and circularity targets. However, European recyclers […]

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