Hazards Out! Workshop #3

The third episode of the Hazards Out! series of workshops took place on 24.09. gathering more than 70 experts from the waste management and recycling sector, public and local authorities, consultancy and academia, NGOs and civil society and other industries to explore the question Does EPR have a role to play? in the separate collection of Household hazardous waste (HHW).

The event was organised within Hazards Out! project – a multistakeholder partnership aimed at raising awareness on the mandatory separate collection of household hazardous waste (HHW) in Europe and supporting local authorities and other relevant stakeholders in the establishment of effective HHW management strategies. Through the organisation of a series of thematic workshops the partnership promotes the exchange of best practices and collaboration among a community of professionals addressing household hazardous waste.

The event was focused on the producers’ perspective of sustainable management and treatment of HHW and explored innovative recycling projects from the paint sector, as well as the case of France where the collection, processing, and recycling of specific waste from household and construction chemicals is organised through the only Extended Producer Responsibility scheme in Europe.

Cynthia van Westerhuizen-Markus, Manager Technical Experts & Quality Benelux at AkzoNobel and Erik Wegh, Commercial Director at Inter-CheM, presented their inspiring example of collaboration between the producers and the waste management sector on paint recycling in the Netherlands. They demonstrated both the potential and challenges of creating high-quality recycled paints. Erik Wegh outlined the key challenges associated with paint residues, which are classified as household waste. The main issues include difficulties in collection, sorting, and processing, as well as limited demand for recycled paint and a general lack of awareness among consumers and professionals about the importance of proper paint disposal and recycling. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts across the supply chain and increased public awareness and engagement with local authorities to facilitate convenient collection points, educate citizens, and build infrastructure and engagement together. Cynthia van Westerhuizen-Markus then showcased their paint recycling solution and explained the development of a professional-grade product containing 35% recycled paint resulting in 32% lower carbon footprint. “Nothing reduces carbon footprint as an innovative circular solution. To achieve that, collaboration with the whole value chain is key and the strength of our proud example is combining two different areas of expertise with a common sustainable goal.” stated Cynthia.

The role of Extended Producer Responsibility schemes on HHW was further explored with the example of France where EcoDDS represents major manufacturers and distributors across seven product categories from the chemical sector in their responsibility for the product end-of-life. Their work in developing large-scale collection, automated sorting and new treatment pathways both for the liquid, semi-liquid, and packaging materials illustrated the systemic role EPR can play in sharing costs, scaling infrastructure and driving innovation. Pierre Charlemagne, Managing Director of EcoDDS explained in detail the governance and operations of the PRO, the established collection system in France through municipal collection centres and paint distributors points, the HHW sorting and treatment paths, but also presented specific R&D projects for material recovery such as the implementation of an industrial system for the automated deconditioning of water-based paints, coatings and plasters cans, and production of bins for collection and transportation of hazardous waste from recycled plastic packaging of water-based paints, coatings and plasters. “What we try to do in EcoDDS is to prove that we are able to have entrepreneurial and circular initiatives that are not an obligation.” commented Pierre regarding their vision of the sector.

The discussion also touched upon awareness-raising for citizens and professionals, the importance of sustainable demand for recycled products and the role of local authorities in supporting infrastructure, education and enforcement. Participants exchanged experiences from across Europe and beyond, reflecting on the balance between safe management of hazardous fractions and moving higher up the waste hierarchy through recycling and material recovery.

The Hazards Out project will continue with further workshops, addressing specific HHW topics and exploring developing policy and circular business models, as well as communication and awareness raising efforts. The Hazards Out team extends its gratitude to the expert speakers and active participants for their contributions to building a safer and more circular approach to household hazardous waste management.