Solid waste management

We give priority to projects that contribute to the circular economy, including waste prevention, reuse and recycling. When financing projects for the treatment of unavoidable, non-recyclable residual wastes, we take into account long-term objectives and targets for both waste reduction and recycling. We also ensure that waste treatment facilities are highly energy and resource efficient.

We finance projects that demonstrate economic, financial, technical, environmental and social viability, as well as climate resilience. Additionally, projects eligible for EIB financing must be in line with the waste hierarchy and other key waste management principles (prevention, precaution, proximity and the polluter-pays), as well as national and local waste management plans.

In the EU, we focus on waste management infrastructure and equipment needed to comply with relevant EU legal requirements and targets, in particular on investments that contribute to the transition to the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Outside the EU, the EIB supports the introduction and expansion of integrated waste management systems in line with the EU sector policy objectives and SDGs, including infrastructure and equipment for waste collection, sorting, recycling, composting and final disposal, as well as public awareness campaigns for waste prevention.