Revision of the Waste Framework Directive (2023/0234/COD)

Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2008/98/EC on waste.

Revision of the Waste Framework Directive (2023/0234/COD)

Annually, the fashion industry dumps 92 million tons of textile waste, causing a carbon footprint of 2 trillion tons of CO2

Global Fashion Agenda

How are you preventing waste generation throughout your entire supply chain, from sourcing materials to delivering finished products?

Requirements introduced by legislation

The revision of the Waste Framework Directive introduces several requirements:

  • Measures to promote waste prevention, including the setting of waste reduction targets.
  • Extended producer responsibility to ensure that producers bear the financial and/or operational responsibility for the waste management of their products.
  • Separate collection of at least 55% of municipal waste by 2025 and 65% by 2035.

Who must comply

All companies involved in the production, import, and sale of textiles and apparel products within the EU. Moreover, the extended producer responsibility requirements of the Directive apply specifically to producers of textile and apparel products that are sold in the EU.

Key law specifications

  • Harmonized definition of “waste” and “end-of-waste,” which aims to provide legal clarity and consistency across the EU.
  • Introduction of waste hierarchy that prioritizes waste prevention, followed by preparing for reuse, recycling, other forms of recovery, and finally disposal. 
  • Better enforcement measures, including the establishment of waste prevention programs or the inspection of waste shipments.

Penalties for non-compliance

  • Member States shall take the necessary measures to prohibit the abandonment, dumping or uncontrolled management of waste, including littering.
  • Members States shall lay down provisions on the penalties applicable to infringements of the provisions of this Directive and shall take all measures necessary to ensure that they are implemented.
  • The penalties shall be effective, proportionate and dissuasive.

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Timeline for its entry into force and compliance

18 months after enforcement

Definition of EPR schemes

MEPs want EU countries to set up EPR schemes 18 months after the directive comes into force.

January 2025

Separate collection of textiles

Member States must ensure the separate collection of textiles for reuse and recycling.

June 2024

Council set to start talks on its revision

The EU Council adopted its position on the targeted revision of the Waste Framework Directive.

March 2024

Vote in plenary

The European Parliament adopted its first reading position.

February 2024

Committee report tabled for plenary, 1st reading

Review completed and recommendations presented to the full assembly for debate and consideration.

October 2023

Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading

Proposed changes to the Waste Framework Directive reviewed and discussed by the Parliamentary Committee.

July 2023

Adoption of the proposal by the European Commission

The European Commission tables the announced proposal.


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