Report "Targets for Reuse & Preparing for Reuse in the European Union"

The overconsumption and disposal of consumer goods such as electronics and textiles have been accelerating rapidly. In 2022, the EU generated 2.2 billion tonnes of waste, nearly 5 tonnes per person on average.

Reuse activities are essential in the EU’s tackling of the growing waste crisis. They can displace the consumption of new items, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. When implemented by social economy operators, they also create jobs for individuals who face barriers in the labour market and alleviate material poverty by making essential goods available at low or even no cost.

Quantitative reuse and preparing-for-reuse targets are an essential policy tool to implement the EU’s waste hierarchy. Yet, the currently prevalent combined targets for reuse and recycling undermine the waste hierarchy by prioritising recycling. Separate reuse and preparing-for reuse targets – both general and product-specific – are therefore essential to maximise environmental and social benefits.

While the EU is yet to assess the feasibility of setting reuse targets at EU level, several Member States, regions, and cities across Europe have already introduced such targets within their own jurisdictions.

Following a summary of most relevant EU legislative and other measures, both horizontal and sectoral, this report presents an overview of the context and implementation of existing targets and a detailed look at 24 targets set in different product categories and waste streams: municipal waste, all consumer goods, WEEE, furniture and mattresses, textiles, construction materials, and other consumer goods. 

We conclude with a set of policy recommendations for the policymakers to consider as they shape the Circular Economy Act, the revised WEEE Directive, and other relevant measures at the EU level, as follows:

• Set binding reuse and preparing-for-reuse targets within EPR schemes.
• Reuse and preparing-for-reuse targets should be set separately from recycling targets.
• Specific targets should be set as a priority for product streams covered by EPR schemes.
• Specific targets should be set as a priority for product streams with high environmental impact and job
• creation potential.
• Targets should cover formal reuse activities only.
• Each target indicator should be thoroughly assessed before implementation.
• Targets should be set based on a reliable baseline.
• Targets should be set in incremental increases.
• Data collection should be financed by EPR schemes.
• Reporting requirements should be harmonised to reduce administrative burden in the long run.
• Targets should form part of a long-term strategy to promote reuse and inclusive employment.