Hopes and Challenges of the EU Decision to Ban Plastic Waste Export

On Friday, November 17, the EU Parliament decided to stop shipping plastic waste to poorer non-EU and non-OECD countries from the middle of 2026. In addition, the rules for exporting plastic waste to OECD countries will be tightened.

After five years, the European Commission may consider requests from countries wishing to import plastic waste from the EU. A favourable decision can only be taken if these countries prove that they will ensure safe handling.

Most of the plastic discarded in Europe is incinerated, and less than a third is recycled. Non-governmental advocates are concerned that a significant part of the plastic waste sent abroad for recycling is dumped in landfills and waterways or ends up in open burning. For example, according to UNEP, Africa currently recycles only 4% of its waste.

The decision of the EU Parliament intends to break the unfortunate situation of exporting pollution from the EU to non-EU countries, mainly to those with weaker waste management regulations and capacity. According to Eurostat, “in 2021, exports of waste from the EU to non-EU countries reached 33.0 million tonnes, an increase of 77% since 2004.”

Yet, the intention to stop plastic waste export to non-OECD countries leaves OECD members with increased exported waste volumes from the EU. For example, according to Eurostat, Turkey is already the leading destination for EU waste exports, with a volume of around 14.7 million tonnes in 2021. Turkey-based environmental advocates are concerned that the EU Parliament’s decision will result in plastic waste overflowing their country, with landfilling remaining the most common waste-disposal method.