The Environment Council wants to add waste incineration to the European emissions trading scheme (ETS). The common position reached by the EU environment ministers would include the technology starting in 2031. Industry observers and stakeholder representatives had widely expected this move. In preparation for the expansion of the ETS, the Council wants the European Commission to submit an impact assessment by the end of 2026.
The report on the foreseeable ramifications of including thermal waste treatment in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), the European Commission should address the impacts and feasibility of the compulsory inclusion of plants incinerating municipal waste. As part of this process, the Commission should consider relevant criteria, such as the effects on the internal market, potential distortions of competition, environmental integrity, alignment with the objectives of the Waste Framework Directive and robustness and accuracy with respect to the monitoring and calculation of emissions. If appropriate, the report should be accompanied by a legislative proposal to amend the Emissions Trading System Directive....
