Dutch Parliament Seeks to Keep Waste Streams and Raw Materials

Key Takeaways

• Dutch MPs want to retain waste streams and reduce reliance on foreign raw materials.
• D66 and Volt tabled a motion to promote recycled critical raw materials and expand recycling capacity.
• After questions from VVD and JA21, the minister agreed to talks with the waste sector.
• Battery fires and rising recycling costs will feature in the next circular economy letter.
• Ahead of the 10 November debate, the VA urges withdrawal of the higher CO₂ levy, which drives waste abroad.

During debates last week on the Tax Plan (Belastingplan) and the budget for Climate and Green Growth, the Dutch House of Representatives called for attention to retaining waste streams and reducing dependence on foreign raw materials.

The Vereniging Afvalbedrijven (VA), the association of Dutch waste management companies, welcomed the move. It describes the Dutch waste and recycling sector as essential for the circular economy and for sustainability.

Motion on Recycled Critical Raw Materials

Huidekooper (D66, a liberal party) and Dassen (Volt) tabled a motion to promote recycled critical raw materials, counter the leakage of waste streams and expand recycling capacity.

Müller (VVD, another liberal party) raised the €1.3 billion for Aramis and the CO₂ volumes required from the waste sector. Van den Berg (JA21, right-wing conservative party) pointed to higher levies and called for a covenant.

Minister Agrees to Talks With the Sector

In response to the questions from VVD and JA21, the minister agreed to enter into talks with the sector. The VA says it is ready to take part. According to the association, the talks must lead to concrete agreements that provide long-term certainty and room for investment.

At the urging of D66, the minister will address battery fires and rising recycling costs in the next letter on the circular economy. The VA stresses that measures are needed to protect employees and the surrounding area and to prevent damage.

Debate on Higher CO₂ Levy Continues on Tuesday

The House resumes its debate on the Tax Plan 2027 on Tuesday, 10 November. The VA repeats its call to withdraw the higher CO₂ levy for the waste sector.

According to the association, the higher national levy drives waste streams abroad and undermines investment in recycling and CO₂ capture. Anyone who wants to retain raw materials and accelerate sustainability must give companies room to invest in the Netherlands, the VA argues.