Waste Framework Directive: textiles and food waste

The European Parliament adopted a legislative resolution approving the Council's position at first reading with a view to the adoption of a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2008/98/EC on waste.

The new measures aim to prevent and reduce food and textile waste across the EU.

Reducing food waste

The new legislation introduces binding targets for reducing food waste, which must be achieved at national level by 31 December 2030: 10% from food processing and manufacturing and 30% per capita from retail, restaurants, food services and households. These targets will be calculated based on the annual average amount generated between 2021 and 2023. Member States will have the option to use an earlier reference year (before 2021).

The common position maintains a voluntary approach to food donations, whilst requiring Member States to take measures to ensure that economic operators who have a significant role in preventing and generating food waste (as identified by each Member State) propose donation agreements with food banks and other redistribution organisations.

The review, set for 31 December 2027, aims to assess the food waste reduction targets set for 2030. The scope of the review clause is extended to include an assessment of the feasibility of setting food waste reduction targets for 2035.

Textile waste

Producers supplying textiles in the EU will have to bear the costs of collecting, sorting, and recycling them, through new producer responsibility schemes (EPRs) to be put in place by each Member State within 30 months of the directive's entry into force. These provisions will apply to all producers, including those using e-commerce, whether they are established in an EU country or outside the Union.

Micro-enterprises will have an additional year to comply with extended producer responsibility requirements. Reporting obligations for micro-enterprises are also simplified.

The new rules will apply to clothing and accessories, hats, footwear, blankets, bed and kitchen linen, and curtains. Member States may also set up extended producer responsibility schemes for mattresses.

Member States should also address ultra-fast fashion and fast fashion practices when deciding on financial contributions to the extended producer responsibility schemes.

Review

The general review clause, with a deadline of 31 December 2029, concerns both the Waste Framework Directive and the Landfill Directive. The review aims to assess, inter alia, the financial capability of the textile extended producer responsibility schemes and the possibility of setting collection, reuse and recycling targets for textiles.