Material Recovery from Non-Hazardous Waste
Processing of non-hazardous waste streams into secondary raw materials through sorting, cleaning and reprocessing operations.
Substantial Contribution to Climate Change Mitigation
The material recovery facility must convert at least 50% by weight of incoming non-hazardous waste into secondary raw materials that displace primary material production. A life-cycle GHG assessment must demonstrate that the recovered materials achieve a net emission reduction compared to the production of equivalent virgin materials, accounting for collection, transport, processing, and residual waste management.
Energy consumption of the recovery process must be monitored and optimised. Where thermal processes are used (e.g. for plastic recycling), the facility must achieve energy efficiency benchmarks consistent with Best Available Techniques under the Industrial Emissions Directive.
Substantial Contribution to Circular Economy
The activity must produce secondary raw materials that meet quality standards enabling their use as direct substitutes for virgin materials in manufacturing processes. Output quality must be verified through certification or compliance with end-of-waste criteria established under the Waste Framework Directive. The facility must process at least three distinct waste fractions or specialise in a high-impact material stream (plastics, textiles, or critical raw materials).
DNSH: Climate Change Adaptation
A climate risk assessment must address flooding risks to stored materials, heat impacts on processing equipment, and supply chain disruptions from extreme weather. Contingency plans for service continuity must be maintained.
DNSH: Water and Marine Resources
Process water must be treated before discharge and must meet effluent standards. Storage areas must be sealed and bunded to prevent leachate contamination of soil and groundwater. Rainwater runoff from waste storage areas must be collected and treated.
DNSH: Pollution Prevention and Control
The facility must comply with its environmental permit and applicable BAT conclusions. Air emissions (dust, VOCs) must be controlled through enclosed processing and filtration systems. Noise levels must comply with local limits. Residual waste from the recovery process must be disposed of in accordance with the waste hierarchy.
DNSH: Biodiversity and Ecosystems
Facility siting must comply with environmental impact assessment requirements. The facility must not be located within or adjacent to protected areas unless pre-existing. Measures must be in place to prevent litter and material escape from the site.