Production and Utilization of SRFs/RDFs in Europe and the Impact of the Circular Economy Package

Abstract

This study summarizes the production and utilization of solid recovered fuels (SRFs) and refuse derived fuels (RDFs) in Europe. It also presents the impact of the EU Circular Economy Package on waste management policies in European countries. According to Europeʼs Landfill Directive, mechanical biological treatment has been introduced as a pretreatment for residual waste and, as a result of this process, SRFs and RDFs are being manufactured.While some SRFs are produced in compliance with the standards, many of the RDFs are not. SRFs/RDFs are not only processed in incineration facilities but are also used as an alternative fuel in the cement and other industries. Large amounts of SRFs/RDFs are being exported from the UK to Nordic countries, such as the Netherlands, mainly due to the UKʼs landfill taxes and the surplus capacity of waste incineration facilities in Nordic countries. Based on the Circular Economy Package, EU member states are now required to improve upon their separate collection of bio wastes and thoroughly recover resources from residual waste.