Call for Evidence: Revision of the Waste Framework Directive

Objective

The Commission is seeking to confirm the problem, definition and objectives of a targeted revision of the Waste Framework Directive (WFD). In line with the objectives set out in the European Green Deal, Circular Economy Action Plan and the review clauses in the Directive, this review focuses on the following policy areas: prevention, separate collection, waste oils and textiles.

Despite existing legislation, municipal waste generation has increased over the last decade. Low recycling rates, as well as lower quality recyclates, are in part due to inefficient waste-collection systems. For some specific streams, such as waste oils and textiles, evidence indicates that the polluter pays principle is not fully implemented and that some waste may be illegally disposed of, leading to pollution.

The revision of the WFD aims to improve the overall environmental outcome of waste management in line with the waste hierarchy and the implementation of the polluter pays principle.

It is expected that evidence gathered during this consultation will provide a clearer understanding of the drivers of these problems. It will also help inform the Commission about additional problems highlighted by stakeholders and identify other objectives that should be considered for concrete and coherent action.

This call for evidence is now open for feedback until 22 February 2022. Your input will be taken into account as the Commission further develops and fine-tunes this initiative.

A broader set of consultations is planned in the first half of 2022 to ensure that, across a series of activities, all relevant stakeholders are given an opportunity to express their views on the current performance of the WFD, including what may be  working well or not, and how it could be improved.

Target group

All citizens and organisations are welcome to contribute to this consultation.

Call for Evidence document

Please click here to view the Call for Evidence document

Reference documents and other related consultations

• Waste Framework Directive (europa.eu)
• A European Green Deal | European Commission (europa.eu)
• Circular economy action plan (europa.eu)
• Frequently Asked Questions on the Call for evidence