On 29 June 2026, the Council of the European Union formally adopted a legislative act amending Regulation (EU) 2024/1157 to prohibit the export of mixed municipal waste destined for recovery. The vote took place during the 4188th Council meeting (Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs) in Luxembourg.
The amendment targets mixed municipal waste streams intended for recovery operations outside the EU, closing a loophole in the existing regulation. The Council's decision follows approval by Coreper (Part 1) on 24 June 2026. Statements and explanations of vote are available on the Council's website under Transparency and Access to Documents.
The prohibition is expected to impact EU waste exporters, particularly those in the recycling and waste management sectors, who will need to redirect mixed municipal waste to domestic treatment facilities. EU-based recovery operators may see increased supply, while non-EU importers of such waste will lose access. The measure aims to reduce environmental harm from waste exports and encourage circular economy practices within the bloc.
No prior coverage of this file exists in the last 180 days. The adoption finalises the legislative process, with the amended regulation entering into force following publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.