EPMF position on the WEEE revision

The European Commission is revising the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive as part of the broader Circular Economy Act. With e-waste representing one of Europe’s most valuable sources of secondary precious metals and critical raw materials, this revision is a crucial opportunity to address fragmented national rules and low collection rates that hinder effective recycling.

In response, the EPMF has published a position paper calling for fundamental reforms to unlock e-waste recycling potential. The current framework suffers from regulatory fragmentation and barriers that prevent valuable materials from reaching proper treatment facilities. This is particularly concerning when e-waste contains more gold per tonne than gold ore itself – yet much of this value remains unrecovered due to systemic inefficiencies.

The paper outlines nine key recommendations focused on harmonising the regulatory framework across the EU, raising treatment and collection standards, prioritising critical raw materials recovery, and removing barriers to efficient e-waste management. Our proposals aim to create a true Single Market for e-waste while positioning Europe as a global leader in high-quality recycling.

The WEEE revision will test whether the Circular Economy Act can deliver real change. With the right framework, Europe can secure a reliable source of secondary raw materials, lead globally on recycling standards, and demonstrate that circular economy ambitions can become reality. We look forward to working with policymakers to see this vision become a reality.