EU recycling targets for metal and non-metal industries
Metal and non-metal recycling regulations often fall under the same umbrella. The Packaging Waste Directive is just one example. Targets for 2030 vary according to the waste stream, of course. Recyclers will need to reach these targets:
- Ferrous metals: 70%
- Aluminium: 50%
- Plastics: 55%
- Glass: 75%
- Paper & cardboard: 85%
- Wood: 30%
Another example is the Critical Raw Materials Act. Enacted in 2024, it aims to strengthen the supply chain of critical materials and cut down Europe’s dependence on other regions. The Critical Raw Materials Act applies mostly to metals and it also has its own targets for 2030:
- 10% of strategic materials should be mined within the EU
- 25% of these raw materials should come from recycling
- 40% should be processed within the EU, such as smelting or purification
The major environmental impact of metal recycling is the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Recycling is kinder to the earth than mining raw ore, which of course, produces non-metal materials. For all EU directives—for all materials—contamination is the enemy.
Achieving targets starts with correctly classifying and separating materials. To speed up this process without sacrificing accuracy, look at advanced sorting technologies. For metal recyclers, this can be as simple as magnetic separators. For non-metal recyclers, AI visual recognition systems can help you avoid contamination with fantastic efficiency.
EU compliance in recycling: you must report
Your national authorities have their own targets and standards, which typically align with those of the European Commission. It’s your own environmental agencies who enforce legislation, and who you must submit your reports to.
what data must your reports contain?
The EU’s Waste Frame Directive applies to waste and recycling management across the board. European metal recycling initiatives demand the types and quantities of materials, and treatment methods, including your recycling and recovery rates. You’ll need to classify hazardous and non-hazardous materials and record their destination.
To comply, all data must be traceable to show a full audit trail. Good intentions are not enough. You’ve got to track the waste, which requires its own strategy. The question now is, how exactly are you going to do that?
EU regulatory landscape: driving circularity and compliance
Learn how upcoming EU recycling regulations are shaping the future of compliance and circularity. We’ll walk you through what to expect and how your organization can stay prepared.
can you continue working manually?
Yes, if you have deep pockets and can throw money at the resources you’ll need. But you can still expect gaps in data and human error. EU compliance in recycling involves strict reporting requirements with different layers of data needed. To track that accurately—and in real time—you really need reliable digital tools.
a simple strategy
Digital compliance solutions for recycling companies does the heavy work, significantly lowering your reliance on manual processes. Robust software makes all the difference.
We’ll use our own AMCS Platform to illustrate our point. It eliminates paper-based processes, automating tasks such as tracking flow. And it’s the automation that will make life so much easier, capturing data to give you deep insight into recycling rates. Cloud-based AMCS Platform gives you a real-time view into your operations, so you know what’s happening and when. It’s designed to help you meet current regulations and those coming in the future.
Just as importantly, AMCS solutions support recyclers in meeting Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) and Sustainability commitments—delivering added value that goes beyond simple compliance.
By turning raw data into powerful dashboards, it visualises your progress, risks, and opportunities for impact. You can analyse your business’s performance. If you’re where you want to be, that’s good to know. But you can also determine if you need to make any adjustments in your processes to reach your targets.
This is more than recyclable materials tracking software. It’s the cloud based end-to-end solution that scales with you. Automated reporting in recycling operations is another must-have, and the AMCS Platform delivers with a complete, transparent audit trail.
optimising your operations
The AMCS Platform does you another favour. It streamlines and automates route planning, dispatching, service confirmation, and even billing. By optimising for the most efficient routes, it reduces your planning time by up to 75%. It cuts your own CO2 emissions and mileage by 25%. Your day-to-day operational costs—including what you spend on fuel—are significantly reduced to protect your margins. The AMCS Platform is the enterprise-grade solution that never stops working for you in every capacity you need it to.
metal recycling
AMCS Platform for Metal accounts for factors such as market price and cost volatility. You can track inventory and costs in real time to optimise purchasing and sales strategies. Use it to plan production operations, such as shredding and shearing—this is how you manage costs and output.
plastic recycling
Plastic recycling offers huge potential. AMCS for plastic recyclers improves product quality through accurate grading and contamination tracking. With built-in tools to streamline operations and simplify compliance with health and safety regulations, AMCS helps you operate more efficiently and sustainably in the circular economy.
paper recycling
As the circular economy begins to take shape, the demand for recovered fiber is growing. That doesn’t make profitability a sure thing, however. Our paper recycling software gives you real-time inventory data so that you can respond faster to market trends. Automated grading and digital proof of quality improve your consistency.
ready to simplify compliance and power up your operations?
The EU regulatory landscape is evolving fast, and staying ahead means having the right tools in place.
The AMCS Platform is purpose-built to help recyclers navigate complex requirements, streamline reporting, and optimise performance, all while driving sustainability goals.
Whether you're handling metal, plastic, or paper, our end-to-end solution gives you the visibility, automation, and control you need to thrive in a circular economy.
Talk to us today and take the first step towards smarter recycling.