BIR Warns EU Waste Shipment Proposal Could Disrupt Global Metal Recycling Markets

The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) has warned that a European Commission draft delegated act under the EU Waste Shipment Regulation could disrupt international recycling markets by restricting exports of certain non-hazardous metal waste to major Asian destinations.

Published on September 18, the draft list of non-OECD countries authorized to receive certain waste from the EU for recovery excludes several major Asian destinations, including India, Malaysia and Thailand, from receiving ferrous and non-ferrous metal waste under the proposed framework.

BIR said tighter export restrictions would not necessarily create enough demand or processing capacity within Europe to absorb the affected material. It warned that a mismatch between available supply and domestic processing capacity could put downward pressure on recycled material prices, reduce collection incentives and weaken investment in future recycling capacity.

The recycling organization also emphasized that metals can retain their material properties through repeated recycling cycles, while international trade allows different grades of recyclable materials to reach facilities equipped to process them. For aluminium, BIR said European supply, demand and processing capacity do not always align with the grades and volumes generated in the region.

In its earlier response to a European Commission consultation on EU aluminium scrap availability, BIR argued that Europe generates more recycled aluminium than its domestic facilities can technically absorb. The organization said the same capacity considerations should be taken into account when assessing the proposed export restrictions.

BIR acknowledged the Commission’s objective of ensuring environmentally sound waste management but called for any restrictions to be proportionate, evidence-based and developed in consultation with recycling companies, industry associations and governments in affected non-OECD countries.

The Commission’s public consultation on the draft remains open until October 16, 2026. BIR is encouraging recyclers, industry associations, businesses and relevant governments to submit factual information, evidence and case studies on whether the proposed country and waste-stream authorizations are appropriate.

BIR said it is preparing a consolidated industry response and plans to engage with the European Commission, diplomatic missions and relevant authorities during the consultation process.

Source: The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR)

SUNSHINE Spotlight: BIR warns that proposed EU restrictions on exports of recyclable metal waste to selected non-OECD countries could create a mismatch between European supply and domestic processing capacity, affecting prices, collection and international recycling flows.