End-of-waste Criteria: Copper Industry calls for stricter limits

Following the publication of the JRC report “End-of-waste Criteria for Copper and Copper Alloy Scrap: Technical Proposals” (see May 2011 Eurobrief) the European Copper Institute (ECI) has criticised the percentage of foreign material (5%) allowed for end-of-waste status eligibility as being too high. Instead, the ECI recommends a maximum limit of 2% foreign material. In addition, the ECI is calling for tougher monitoring procedures and more qualitative analysis, rather than the simple visual inspection of consignments and taking samples every six months proposed by the JRC.

There are only a small number of copper mines in the EU. Therefore concern has been expressed about the fact that, once the waste status has been lifted, there is a great risk of copper leakage outside of the EU, thereby decreasing security of supply and increasing Europe’s need for imports.