Average Loss Rates for Sorted Waste Now Open for Consultation

The European Commission has published a draft Delegated Decision under the Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC) introducing standardised rules for calculating Average Loss Rates (ALRs) for sorted waste. The consultation runs from 17 February to 17 March 2026.

ALRs allow Member States to account for material losses that occur between sorting and actual recycling and are available as a derogation where reliable data from recycling operators cannot be obtained. Ten Member States already used this derogation in the 2022 reporting period.

Under the draft rules, ALRs must be calculated per material stream; covering plastics (PET, PP, PE, PS), paper, glass, metal, wood, and textiles; using data sampled from representative sorting facilities. Plants must have operated for at least two years, and sampling must achieve a statistical error no greater than 5%. Rates are to be updated for 2030 and every five years thereafter, or sooner where significant changes in waste composition or treatment practices occur.

Importantly, data from Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes may be used to compile ALRs, and facilities demonstrating lower losses than sampled peers may apply their own figures. Implementation costs are estimated at around €3 million across the EU, though this reduces significantly given that only a subset of Member States are expected to use the derogation.

Member States must designate a contact point for notifying ALRs to the Commission by 31 December 2027.