The method developed by RIVM to assess whether waste treatment is sufficiently safe and sustainable, can contribute to the European ambitions for a safe and more circular economy. With the method, an assessment framework, the safety as well as the contribution to sustainability can be assessed when processing residual flows into new materials and products.
Climate-neutral and toxic-free environment
Internationally, the method can contribute to a climate-neutral Europe and the goals of the European Green Deal and the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability. An important ambition is that less waste is dumped or incinerated, and materials are reused or recycled as much as possible. The method will be further developed. RIVM intends to cooperate with European partners from the waste chain and policymakers to gain more experience and make this possible. It is also essential to extend the databases containing information on the components of products and materials.
Safe and sustainable
Waste processing in a circular economy must be safe for people and the environment and contribute to sustainability. The method helps to assess how safe and sustainable the different options for waste processing are. Making both transparent, makes it clear what is needed to sufficiently reduce the presence of substances of concern (SoC) and other hazards to men and the environment and how much it contributes to sustainability. With the method, policymakers and waste processors can compare the results of options for processing residual flows and make well-informed decisions when developing new waste processing initiatives.