The Netherlands aims to have a fully circular economy by 2050 and halve its use of raw materials by 2030. In recent years, however, little progress has been made in either regard.

At present, 85% of plastics from end-of-life vehicles is still incinerated. Only 15% of plastics is reused as a raw material. A survey conducted by RIVM has revealed possibilities to expand recovery of these plastics fourfold by 2030.

At the request of the Dutch House of Representatives, RIVM compiled a list of the 100 biggest ammonia emitters in the Netherlands. Recently, the underlying data used to compile this list were disclosed pursuant to a request under the Open Government Act.

The Dutch Climate Agreement contains measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the Netherlands. Many products used in the Netherlands are manufactured abroad.

The manufacturing of steel and pigments involves the generation of millions of kilos of slightly radioactive residues. In addition, more and more of these substances will continue to be generated in the rapidly growing sector of geothermal energy.

At the behest of the European Parliament, the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has formulated a report on how EU member states are dealing with European regulations on nitrogen in water (nitrate).

In a circular economy, products, materials and raw materials are continually reused. For example, consumer products like clothes, packaging and toys.

According to the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) there needs to be a greater (international) focus on, and increased awareness of, the safe recycling of waste.

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.

More nitrogen and phosphorus have been ending up in the soil on farms since 2015. As a result, nitrate concentrations have been rising since 2017 in leachates and ditch water from those farms.