This week the European Commission published its long-awaited circular economy package, including a communication.
Specifically on CRMs the Commission intends to do the following:
The Commission will take a series of actions to encourage recovery of critical raw materials, and prepare a report including best practices and options for further action.
The Commission is also encouraging action by Member States on this topic in its revised proposals on waste.
Furthermore, the Commission will:
Report on critical raw materials and the circular economy – by 2017 (Annex)
Improve exchange of information between manufacturers and recyclers on electronic products – 2016 onwards (Annex)
European standards for material-efficient recycling of electronic waste, waste batteries and other relevant complex end-of-life products – 2016 onwards (Annex)
Sharing of best practice for the recovery of critical raw materials from mining waste and landfills – by 2017 (Annex)