Phase II of the Waste Management & Circular Economy (WMCE) Umbrella Project builds on the foundation of Phase I, continuing selected subprojects and aligning closely with EU environmental policy goals. It supports the New Circular Economy Action Plan (2020) and the amended Waste Framework Directive (Directive (EU) 2018/851), both central to the European Green Deal.
This phase focuses on priority waste streams with high circularity potential—such as plastics, textiles, organics, and batteries—while promoting sustainable products, extended product life cycles, and waste prevention. It also contributes to the development and harmonisation of end-of-waste criteria across Member States, improving consistency and cooperation at the EU level.
Key areas of work include preparing for upcoming obligations like separate textile collection (effective January 2025), exploring innovations in bio-waste management, and applying artificial intelligence to close existing gaps in waste handling. The project also aims to support environmental authorities in regulating new circular business models.
Explore the WMCE Phase II subprojects, each targeting a specific focus area:
- Artificial intelligence & waste management
- Organic waste recycling
- Textile and strategic End of waste fluxes
- Knowledge Exchange Programme & Waste Management and Circular Economy
- Plastic End of Waste: Creating a level playing field
- Waste recycling Risk Based Inspection Plan Phase II
- Applying EU waste legislation to circular business models