Recommendation on the WFD revision ahead of trilogue (Waste Oils)

Current state of play

The European Parliament report on the WFD revision, adopted on 13 March 2017 includes provisions mandating an unconditional separate collection of waste oils as well as the achievement of an 85% regeneration target by 2025.

The Council position adopted in Coreper on 19 May 2017 mandates the Commission to perform a data collection exercise before considering the feasibility of setting measures for the treatment of waste oils, including quantitative targets on regeneration of waste oils. A report accompanied by a proposal, if appropriate, shall be sent to the European Parliament and the Council by 31 December 2024.

FuelsEurope position regarding the approaches taken by the EU institutions

FuelsEurope supports the implementation of responsible management practices for waste oils to protect public health and the environment. Our assessment of the approaches taken by the EU institutions is that:

  • The European Parliament amendments are likely to provoke structural changes and unintended consequences for the whole waste oil management particularly when considering the specifics of well-established markets in various EU countries. European Parliament amendments 59, 193, 194, 195, 196 and 197 should be rejected.
  • The Council approach recognises the need for a better understanding of the current market structure (i.e. flows, operations and calculation methods at stake) and for a robust impact assessment before any targets can be set. Council amendments related to the articles 21(4) and 37(1) are welcome.

FuelsEurope recommendation

FuelsEurope recommends the adoption of the Council approach (i.e. conduct a feasibility study first) - in line with the better regulation principles - as a reasonable compromise between the initial proposal of the Commission and the European Parliament report.

The completion of a thorough impact assessment - involving the consultation of all interested parties - prior to the establishment of any technically, environmentally and economically achievable collection, regeneration, recycling and/or recovery targets is warmly recommended.

FuelsEurope and its members are committed to actively participate in any data gathering processes as well as to provide all necessary inputs into any feasibility studies regarding the setting of measures or targets on waste oils.