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EU Recycling Rates Rise Slowly; 2030 Goals in Jeopardy

11/22/2025

41 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The European Union's recycling rate rose from 11.2% in 2015 to 12.2% in 2024, but progress remains slow.
The Netherlands leads with 33%, while Romania lags at 1.3%.
The EU aims for 23.2% by 2030, but experts warn this goal is unlikely.
Poland and Finland declined, while Malta and Estonia rose 14% and 9%, respectively.
Metal ores have the highest circularity at 23.4%, followed by non-metallic minerals at 14.3%.

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Story summary

The European Union's recycling rate rose from 11.2% in 2015 to 12.2% in 2024, but progress remains slow.
The Netherlands leads with 33%, while Romania lags at 1.3%.
The EU aims for 23.2% by 2030, but experts warn this goal is unlikely.
Poland and Finland declined, while Malta and Estonia rose 14% and 9%, respectively.
Metal ores have the highest circularity at 23.4%, followed by non-metallic minerals at 14.3%.