Circular Economy in Action: e-waste and waste batteries best practices

In Italy, the treatment of WEEE and waste batteries (WB) is still largely focused on primary mechanical processing stages. To date, no national facility is capable of recycling Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) at an industrial scale, with the exception of copper. At the same time, the recent Italian Decree on Critical Raw Materials (2024) does not appear to fully align with the European Critical Raw Materials Act, which sets a target of meeting at least 25% of each Member State’s CRM demand through recycling. In this context, the conference aims to:
•    provide an overview of the most advanced European experiences in CRM recycling;
•    explore the European Union’s industrial strategies;
•    analyze Italy’s position and future outlook.

This event will offer a platform for dialogue among institutions, industry players, and stakeholders to assess whether and how WEEE and battery recycling can effectively contribute to reducing Europe’s dependence on critical raw material imports.

Session Chair

Andrea Fluttero, President, Erion Compliance Organization

Program

Opening Remarks
Andrea Fluttero, President, Erion Compliance Organization

European WEEE and Waste Battery Treatment Systems
Pascal Leroy, Director General, WEEE Forum
Eric Ruyters, Director General, Eucobat

Industrial Experiences in Europe
Representative of Umicore (TBD)
Other operators (TBC)

European Strategies and Critical Raw Materials Autonomy
Can WEEE and battery recycling reduce Europe’s dependence on third countries? Is there a common industrial strategy, or do national approaches prevail?
Possible speakers:
Representative of Cabinet - Environment, Water Resilience and Competitive Circular Economy, European Commission (TBD)
Representative of DG ENV, European Commission (TBD)
Policy Officer, European Commission (TBD)
Representative of DG GROW, European Commission (TBD)

Italy’s Role: Opportunities and Challenges
Which levers can support the development of CRM refining plants in Italy? What is the current dialogue with the European Union?
Laura D’Aprile, Italian Ministry for the Environment and Energy Security (TBC)
WEEE plant operator (TBD)
Battery plant operator (TBD)
Elisabetta Perrotta, ASSOAMBIENTE (National Association of Environmental Services Companies and Circular Economy)

Closing Remarks
Representative of Erion