As global demand for sustainable solutions intensifies, resource recovery from sewage should become a critical area of focus. Reusing valuable materials from sewage not only addresses environmental challenges but also supports the circular economy goals, which are central to the European Union’s Green Deal. Despite the clear environmental and economic benefits, differing national regulations and lengthy approval processes pose significant barriers to advancing technology and market implementation. CirTec, a key player in the sewage technology sector, is championing the harmonization of legislation to unlock the full potential of resource recovery from sewage across Europe.
The Challenge: Inconsistent Regulations and Slow Processes
Current European legislation surrounding the recovery of resources from sewage is fragmented. Although overarching EU regulations exist, each member state interprets and implements these rules differently, leading to time-consuming and expensive procedures. As a result, new technologies that could extract valuable raw materials from sewage, such as cellulose, phosphates or other valuables, often get delayed in reaching the market.
For example, even if a procedure for obtaining end-of-waste status for a resource has been successfully completed in one country, other EU member states may require entirely new applications to be submitted and evaluated as if the case were brand new. This duplication of effort results in unnecessary delays and increased costs, hindering progress in sustainable development. These obstacles directly affect innovation, making it harder for new technologies to gain a foothold in the market.
CirTec’s Role: Advocating for Harmonized Legislation
Such harmonization would ensure that legislation remains robust in protecting public health and the environment while removing unnecessary barriers to technological innovation and market introduction. This balance is crucial for achieving a sustainable bioeconomy.