'Help Entrepreneurs With Regulations Regarding End-of-Waste Declarations'

Maximizing the recycling of materials has many advantages: it reduces the demand for virgin fossil resources, minimizes waste processing, and makes significant strides towards a circular economy. However, recyclers face several barriers when defining reuse options for new waste streams: they must demonstrate that new applications are free of health issues and must comply with the requirements of the Environmental Management Act to obtain an 'End of Waste declaration.' This is particularly challenging because it is not always clear when one meets the regulations. As a result, important recycling options often remain untapped.

Focus on one specific product
To overcome these barriers, Groene Chemie, Nieuwe Economie, and Invest-NL have asked Ecomatters, a leading consultancy in sustainability, to investigate how recycling can be safely boosted. The findings were presented on April 17 to an audience of recyclers and policymakers. Companies looking to utilize new waste streams were advised, among other things, to focus on developing clearly defined products when applying for the 'End of Waste declaration.' This approach simplifies the process of demonstrating that the product is safe for health and the environment. It also makes it easier to clarify compliance with existing regulations and technical specifications for comparable products.

Help the entrepreneur navigate the regulatory maze
There are also quick wins for policymakers: Establish a central contact point that can advise entrepreneurs and consolidate recycling knowledge while clearly outlining the rules to which an entrepreneur must adhere to claim the 'End of Waste declaration.' Additionally, it is important that Dutch regulations align with European ones, and that clear rules are established for plastics and biobased waste streams.

The findings, summarized in a report, were presented during the meeting by Arnold Stokking (Groene Chemie, Nieuwe Economie) and Rinke Zonneveld (Invest-NL) to Jeannette Baljeu (Deputy of South Holland), Jacqueline Vaessen (Ambassador ChemistryNL), and Hagar Ligtvoet (Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management).

Arnold Stokking stated: “Given the climate urgency, we cannot afford any delays in the raw material transition. Groene Chemie, Nieuwe Economie hopes that the recommendations from this report will help overcome several significant barriers.”

Jeannette Baljeu added: “Utilizing secondary raw materials is crucial for a circular economy. It is important that we apply the end-of-waste criteria uniformly. The province is committed to providing good information and eliminating uncertainties in regulations.”

Download the white paper here:

• White paper ‘End of Waste’ (full version)
• White paper ‘End of Waste’ (summary)

Download the presentations given here:

• Introduction - Ecomatters
• Statements
• Suggestions for improvement - Ecomatters
• Insights - Bureau Veritas